JOSEPH HART 



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RE\'. C. C. HART. 



JOSEPH HART 



AXl) HIS DESCKNDANTS 



EDITED nV 



Ri:\'. C. C\ HART, 
AND DKDICATED TO THE TRIBE. 



ST. I.OIIS, MO.: 

I< !• Stuolkt * Co., pHIKTBaa. 

1901. 



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PREFACE. 

Three ami a half years ago my brother, James H. Hart, and 
other relatives, sug^esteii to me the duty of preparing, for the use 
of our relatives, a history of my father, Josf.i'H IIakt, and his 
descendants. The little volume here presented is not the work of 
one person, but of many. It lays no claim to literary ability ; nor 
does it seek to display heroes, or millionaires, but to show how the 
life of this humble, modest. Christian man and his descendants, 
illustrates: First, God's faithfulness to his covenant. "I will 
establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee 
in their generation, for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto 
thee and to thy seed after thee." Gen. 17:7. Secondly: God's 
providential care over his people. " I have been young, and now 
am old ; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed 
begging bread." Ps. 37 :2^. Antl hence, a history of God's 
people should l>e preserved. *' Tlie righteous shall be in everlasting 
remembrance." I's. 1 1 2 :6. 

For convenience the work is divided into six chapters. 

Chai'TKr I. The ancestry — so far as known — of Joseph Hart, 
the birth of his eleven chiklren, his emigration to, and death, in 
Indiana. 

Chapter II. Edward and Elizabeth (Hood) Hart, and his 
descendants (p. iS). 

Chapter III. Thomas and Elizabeth (Duncan) Hart, and 
their descendants (p. 32). 

Chapter IV. Gideon H. and Hetty A. (Taylor) Ilait, and 
Elizal)Cth Halt, and their descendants (p. 53). 

Chapter V. Joseph, Jr. — Silas — Elizabeth — Samuel — James 
HarN'C) and their dcucendants (p. 71). 

Chapter VI. (p. So). The Preachers. These arc given in the 
order of their ministerial ncniority. Rev. Jacob I). Hart, great-great- 
granditon of the Patriarch, pastor of the Sec<md Baptist Church in 
Petcmburg. Va., is %!i'u\ to be a man of talents and niorc than 
ordinary zeal and UHcfidne»« in the ministry. Alter various appli- 
cation*, I have failctl to M-cure from him an article for this work. 

C. C. HAKr, Editor. 
WKHsrER Groves, Mo., January, 1901. 



CHAPTER I. 

About the year 1735 a Mr. Hart and his wife, botli Scotch- 
Irisli Presbyterians, started from Wales to emigrate to America. 
They left their native land on account of persecution di- 
rected especially against Presbyterians and Covenanters, and 
sought a home in the American Colonies, that they might wor- 
ship God without molestation. 

The vessel on which they sailed was more than four months 
on the voyage, and during this period of time the husband died 
and the widow gave birth to a son, whom she named Thomas. 
The widow and child landed at Bordentown, X. J., where the 
mother brought up her son till he reached the age of manhood. 

Nothing more is known by us of the mother. 

Tlie son. Thomas Hart, married Mrs. Xancy Butler, nee Miss 
Nancy Stout, a native of Scotland, also a Presbyterian, but had 
no children by her first husband. Mrs. Butler had two brothers, 
John and St. Ledger Stout. These four, Mr. Hart and his wife 
and her two brothers, moved from liordentown, N. J., to Lou- ^ 
don County, N'irginia. where, on June 16, 1761, a son was born 
to Thomas and Nancy Hart, whom they named Joseph, and who 
became the i)atriarch of the family. He was the only child of 
his mother, as she died while Joseph was yet in his infancy. 
After the death of the mother the father i)laced Joseph under the 
care of a kind Christian neighbor, witli whom he lived imtil 
he was sixteen years old. When ten or eleven years of age, Jo- 
seph became a Christian, and this gave character and wa.s the 
keynote to all his future history. 'Hie father, Thomas Hart, 
married a second wife. To this union two sons, Isaac and .\lex- 
andcr, and one (laughter. Jane, were born. Isaac, a farmer, 
married, lived and died in Monroe County, Tennessee. Nothing 
is known by us of his family. 

Alexander married and moved to Cieorgia, where he Ix'came 
a successful cotton planter, and brought up a numerous fanuly. 
liut little is known of them, except that they are scattered 
throughout the West and Southwestern States. Jane and her 
marriage will l>c noticed further on. 



— 6 — 



In the early part of 1777 the foster father of Joseph Hart was 
drafted into the Army of the Revolution from Loudon County 
Virginia Joseph said to him: "You have a family, and should 
you be killed, your family will have no protector. You took care 
of me in my childhood ; I will now be your substitute in the army 
tor I have no one dependent on me." 

Record and Pension Office, 

War Department, 
Washington, Oct. 11, 1895. 
The records of this office show that Joseph Hart served in 
Captam Holcomb s company of the Fourth Virginia regiment 
commanded by Colonel Thomas Elliot, and also in Captain 
Thomas Ridley s company of the Virginia regiment, commanded 
by Colonel Robert Lawson, Revolutionary War. His name is 
first borne on the rolls of the Fourth Virginia regiment for April 
1777, and It appears also on subsequent rolls to February 1778' 
when he is reported "Discharged, Feb. 16, 1778." Neither the 
date nor the term of his enlistment is shown by the record 
By authority of the Secretary of War. 

F. C. AINSWORTH, 
Col. U. S. Army, Chief of Office. 
. > , Soon after his enHstm.ent, April, 1777, his ree-iment wa^ nr 

■ ■ Wj.^ dered to South Carolina. In SeptembL^^ollowLf Spta7n Ho " 
,,...A^^ combs company was engaged in a moonlight battle with some 
^ ffVldd^ British and Tories, near Guilford Courthouse; S. C. In this bat- 
/i^lAct ^l5;^Pf;" Holcomb and several of his officers were killed; also 
::Z ^n ,^^^7,f the privates were either killed or wounded, and the mus- 
T0.P.1 w . co"^Pany was lost. And this fact accounts for 
Joseph Harts appearing m Captain Ridley's companv com- 
manded by Colonel Lawson. ^ ^ 

dTte WH T' ^°""f^d j" the right hip by a musket ball. 
After the battle he was placed on a horse and taken to a barn 

lereTiktn r'' 'I'^f'^' P'^" ^^"^^^' ^^^^^ -°""ded soldiers 
were taken, where he lay until morning. He wore buckskin 

thi ri'/ht' W oHh" ^'^ ^"^-^^°" ^^?^ ^°^^^-"- '^' he found 
the right leg of this garment so stiff with blood that it could not 

was'foZi fo^r' f "^^ "^^ '^^"^ ^°P *° ^°"°-- The wound 
was found to be of such a nature as to disable him for further 
military service. The ball had lodged deep in the groin and was 
not extracted ; and hence he earn! d British lead i^hS body to 



/ 



-7 — 

his grave. He was never afterwards able to do a day's hard 
labor, but was a vcr)' industrious man, even up to old age. .Xiter 
his discharge he returned to his home in \'irginia. When nine- 
teen years of age he left Loudon County and went to Tygert's 
\'alley. in Greene County. \'irgiuia. Here we lose sight of the 
foster father, to whom he owed much for his Christian kindness 
to him in his infancy and youth, but whose name is unknown 
to us. Joseph's Christian principles led him to regard human 
slavery as a wrong to his fellow-man, and therefore a sin against 
God, and this is assigned as a principal reason for leaving Lou- 
don, where slavery existed, to seek a home in CJreene County. 
But in Tygert's V^alley there was much fertile unoccupied land 
which attracted the attention of slave-holding tobacco planters. 
On the influx of slave-holders, Joseph left Tygert's \'alley and 
moved to Washington County, X'irginia. Here in 1788, at the 
age of twent\-seven, he was married to Miss Nancy Shanklin, 
of whose history we have not been able to learn. Here their 
first son, Edward, was br»ni in 1789. Rut the fertile lands of 
Washington County drew the slave-holding planters to this part 
of \irginia. With the hope that the colony of Tennessee would 
become a free state, Mr. Hart made a journey to Blount County, 
Tennessee. Being pleased with the country, he returned to Vir- 
ginia, and in the spring of 1790, with his wife, infant son and his 
half sister — Jane Hart — movcil to P.lojmt County, Tennessee. 
The Cherokee and Creek Indians had been removed to Georgia, 
but a few would return to their old haunts, steal horses and kill 
any white j)eople exposed to their raids. To protect themselves, 
Mr. Hart and .Arthur (jreer united with other pioneer settlers in 
building a blockhouse and fort — known as "Old Fort McTeer" — 
a part of which is still to be seen, and is within the corporate 
limits of MaPk'ville. The family lived in the fort four or five 
• ' .rs. During this time Mr. Hart bought 320 acres of land, 
■ e and a half miles northeast of the fort, where he cleared 
land and built the first two-story frame house in Blount County. 
The house was located near the "Big Spring." and a part of it 
is still stan«ling — k/X) — and has ever since been ()ccupied by 
some member of the Hart family. Here he planted an api)!e or- 
chard, some of which was liearing fruit one huiulred years after 
planting. When it was considered safe from Indian raids, the 
' ' ' into their home and there continued tf) reside un- 

i.. . ^- :. 1821. In I7';7. s<K)n after moving into their new 

home. Arthur ^irecr and Jane Hart wire married at the home of 
the bride's brother. Mr. Grccr and his wife lived manv vcars 



— 8 — 



in Blount county, where they reared a numerous ^amUy many 
of whom are still living-1900-in Blount and Knox Counties, a 
noble race of Presbyterians of Scotch-Irish descent 

Thoueh converted in early youth, Joseph Hart did not make 
a Dublk: profession of religion until about the year 1796, when, 
unXr the mSstry of Rev. Gideon Blackburn, he and his wife 
unitrd w?th New ^Providence P-sbyterian Church. Soon af^er 
he was made an elder in the church and Clerk o^ Session. He 
often ''set the tune" and led the singing m the ch^-^' -"^g^ 
want of hymn books he read and sang two mes at a time^ He 
Tlso took a deep interest in the education of young men for the 
ministrv a work begun here by Rev. Isaac Anderson, D D., 
pastor of New Providence Church, which developed into Mary- 
/. //iri? . aho took a deep interest in the education of young men -for- be 
/O^mt^^ ^'^j^^;°° ^fter a short illness, the mother died, leaving the 
father with five sons and one daughter, viz: Edward, born in 
Washington County, Virginia 1789; Thomas, born .n the for^ 
I7QI • Toseph, Jr., born in the fort, I793 ; Sdas born m the tarm 
home, 1796; Gid;on Blackburn, born on the farm, 1798; El^^a- 
heth born in the farm home, 1802. . ,, tv^ ^r 

in 1809 Joseph Hart was married to Miss Maiy Means of 
Blount County, a maiden lady, thirty-two years of age, whose 
p ?ents left t/e north of Ireland about the ye- ^f 0^0 escape 
persecution, they being Presbyterians, ^"^ ^ ^^.'i^^^'b Jn hx 
nessee To this union were born five sons, viz. William, born m 
18 o Samuel, born Feb. 17, 1813; James Harvey, born SepL 
21 181 q- Isaac Anderson, born in 1817, and deceased when 
'aboufskteen months old; Charles Coffin, born March 29 1820 
These were all born in the family home m Blount County, ier^ 
nessee Thus we see that the subject of this ske ch was e 
father of ten sons and one daughter. A remarkable fact in the 
Wstorv of the family may be mentioned here, viz: The second 
son Thomas Hart, was the father of ten daughters and one son 
"Mr Hart was a ieacher as well as farmer. He taught the first 
school in Blount County. The school-house stood on land after- 
wards owned by David Eagleton, about two miles from Mary- 
wards o^"e^ / ^^^^ ^h/fi,,, four-horse team known in the 
bounty After the country began to be settled^and there was no 
longer danger from the Indians, and for the want of a home mar- 
ket this enterprising pioneer started his four-horse teani to car- 
rvtg country'produce into the gold-mining region of Georg.^ 
There the merchants would receive his produce and load his 
tagon whh cotton for Baltimore. At Baltimore he was oaded 
wkh goods for the merchants of Maryville and Knoxville, the 



— 9 — 

round trip occupying about three months. This team, with six 
horses, was often sent for salt to the salt works on (ioDse Creek 
in \'irginia. about So miles from Maryville. Though never able, 
on account of liis lame hip. to do such work himself, yet he found 
willing substitutes in his older sons — one of whom says "he was 
always in the saddle." About the year 1818, while Mr. Hart was 
having a vicious horse shod, the horse jumjjed on him, injuring 
his right shoulder, so that he was never afterwards able to i)ut 
on or take off his coat without help. This horse belonged to his 
sister. Mrs. Arthur Greer. During the twenty-six years that 
Mr. Hart lived on his farm near Maryville there was no occa- 
sion for calling a physician except twice, once to see one of the 
boys who was suffering with "white swelling," and again on ac- 
count of the injured shoulder of the father. 

Tennessee having become a slave State. Mr. Hart ileiermine<l 
to seek a home beyond the reach of that institution. In the spring 
of 1820 his son. Gideon Blackburn, went to Indiana, visiting \'in- 
cennes. Terre Haute and the central part of the State, and finally 
proposed Bartholomew County, Indiana, as the future home of 
the family. About the miiUlle of September. 1821. the family 
was pref>ared for the great event — to emigrate to a new coun- 
try. They had said good-bye to the old home, to old and fa- 
miliar scenes, to old neighbors, to the old church, and to the 
dear old pastor. Neighbors and friends came to see them start. 
The company consisted of the father, the mother, Silas and I-lliza- 
bcth of the first family, the four boys of the second family, and 
Robert McClure. a young man hired for the occasion. They were 
provided with two wagons, each with two horses, and an extra 
horse with saddle (which the fathiT rode), a large tent and two 
cows, which answered the twofold purpose of furnishing milk 
for the journey and a supply of that much needed article in their 
new home. The first evening the tent was pitche*! by Will's 
Creek, seven miles from the starting place. Supper being end- 
ed, the stock cared for, a chapter in the Bible was read, prayer 
was offered and the pilgrims took their first night's rest in the 
wiMerness. 'Hie next m*>rning before <laylight William Trotter, 
a yf*ung farmer, a leader of the singijig in New Providence 
Church, acc<jmpanicd by his brother. Isaac, came to the camp on 
horseback. William Trotter was engaged to l)c married to 
Elizabeth Hart, and had protnised to go to Indiana the next 
spr-- • * , |„. married there. liut after consultation it was agreed 
ih. ^ and his sister should return with the Trotter brothers 

to Dr. Anderson's, where the marriage took place that morn- 



lO 



ing; Silas overtook the family at the next camping place. The 
journey occupied about four weeks. And when the tent was 
pitched on Saturday it remained so until Monday morning, re- 
ligious service being held in the tent on the Sabbath. 

Gideon Blackburn, being in the region of Vincennes, and hav- 
ing learned that the family was moving, followed the military 
road opened by Gen. William Henry Harrison, Governor of 
Northwest Territory, from Vincennes to the Tobacco landing on 
the Ohio River, near Leavenworth, Ind., and met the family in 
Kentucky in the region of Cumberland Gap, and accompanied 
them to their destination, near Clifty Creek, five miles east of 
Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana, which they reached 
on the 8th day of October, 1820, the journey having occupied 
nearly four weeks. 

At that time the government would not sell less than one- 
quarter section — 160 acres — of land, and that at $2 per acre. But 
by paying $160, the purchaser could get a certificate of entry and 
have five years in which to pay the remainder, and no taxes could 
be collected during these five years. At the end of the five years 
the balance was paid and the government issued a patent for the 
land. This pioneer father, having selected a quarter section, sent 
his son Gideon with $160 in silver to the land office at Jefiferson- 
ville, Tnd., 100 miles distant, and entered the land according to 
law. Silas, Gideon and McClure cut the logs for a cabin, rived 
the boards for the roof, split and hewed the puncheons for the 
floor. Mr. Elijah Sloan, an enterprising neighbor, with his oxen, 
hauled the timbers to the building spot. The neighbors came 
together and built the cabin and put on the roof in one day. The 
next day they laid the puncheon floor, built the chimney, the 
window and door were put in place, and the family moved into 
their Western home. Such was the good will of the neighbors 
that this work was done with dispatch and without money. 

The cabin was 16x18 feet, had the ubiquitous outdoor "mud 
and stick chimney," one window and one door. The window 
had nine 8x10 lights, two sash. There was no sawed lumber ex- 
cept the sash and window frame, and these were brought from 
Tennessee. No nails were used except a few made by a black- 
smith in Tennessee and brought with the family. These were 
used in making the door, the hinges and fastening of which were 
made of hickory. From the time of arrival to the moving into 
the cabin (about six weeks) the family lived in the tent and the 
wagons. The three men — Silas, Gideon and McClure — dug a 
well, built a stable, cleared and fenced twelve acres of land and 



— II — 

had it ready by May ist for planting corn, flax and potatoes. 
Early in May, 1822, Silas and McClurc. with one of the wagons 
and two horses, returned to Blount County, Tennessee. 

There was aji abundance of wild game in the region of the 
new home, such as deer, fo.xes, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, 
turkeys, quails and pheasants. Wolves, bears and panthers were 
occasionally seen. The creeks and rivers aboumled with fish. 
Tlie father, however, was so much opjx>sed to hunting, because 
it encouraged an idle, shiftless manner of life, that he would not 
have a gun about the house. In this cabin a chapter of the Bi- 
ble was read, a hymn was sung anil j^rayer offered nujrning and 
evening. In the absence of the father the mother conducted this 
service. 

Here by the blazing fire of beech and hickory in the winter 
evenings, and in less cold weather by the light made by the dry 
bark of the great pojilar trees, the mother sinm llax on the "lit- 
tle wheel" or engaged in knitting; while the father and the boys 
committed to memory the questions and answers of the Shorter 
Catechism. Many chapters of the I'ible were also comtuitted to 
memory. After these tasks were done — though they were not 
tasks, but always a pleasant pastime — the boys would engage in 
some simple play, while the father would sing hymns from mem- 
orv. such as "How Firm a Foundation. Ve Saints of the Lord." 
"\Vhen I Can Read Mv Title Clear," "There Is a I-ountain I'illed 
With Bl<x)cl. ' "Awaked by Sinai's Awful Sound." "Am I a Sol- 
dier of the Cross," "There Is a Land of Pure Delight." and 
H'any others. Once a week the Cincinnati Journal, a secular and 
religions paper, was read by one of the Ixjys, the others givinir 
strict attention. Once in two weeks a grist of c<jrn (two and a 
half bushels) was shelled, to be taken to mill t>n horseback the 
next day. In this cabin the preacher was often entertained, 
notably Rev. John M. Dickey. ( )n these occasions the boys were 
cxaminefl as to their knowledge of the catechism. This cabin 
was also the only preaching place in the noighborhocjd for sev- 
eral years. A traveling preacher would arrive, the neighbors 
wen 1. All w«nild leave their work, come to this hum- 

ble d.".. '>•^•^i and hear a sernu)n. 

A-s to food an*l clothing, these were of the simplest kind. The 
clothing was made almost wholly of wfxjl and flax. fCach family 
kept a few sheep and raised a "patch' of flax each year. These 
artici' - [)nn. woven and made into garments at home or 

by e\ ^ . work with some neighbor. 1 he father made the 

shoes for the family, Ixjth shoes for eaclj i>erson being made on 



— 12 — 

the same last. Hats for summer were made of rye straw or splits 
from the buckeye tree. Corn bread, mush and milk and vege- 
tables, with a limited amount of hog meat, supplemented with 
eggs, fowls, fish and wild game caught in traps, constituted al- 
most the entire food. Tea and coffee were almost unknown. 
Some buckwheat was raised and ground in the corn mill. For 
the first five years there was but little wheat raised, as there 
were no mills for making flour. There was no fruit until it could 
be grown from seed brought from the old home. In the sprmg 
a supply of sugar was made from the sap of the sugar maple, 
which grew abundantly in that region. 

'' The following note is from the history of Bartholomew Coun- 
ty: "On the third day of July, 1824, the Presbyterian church of 
Columbus was organized, consisting of seventeen members. Jo- 
seph Hart and his wife, Mary Hart, are the first names on the 
roll. Mr. Hart was made Ruling Elder, and for many years was 
the only Ruling Elder, and was Clerk of the Session until the 
time of his death. Presbyterianism and Christianity in this com- 
y munity owe a great deal to this godly man." 

In those days whisky was cheap, 18^ cents per gallon, or six 
gallons for a dollar; and was used at all neighborhood gather- 
ings, such as log-rollings, house or barn raisings, harvestings, 
corn huskings, and sometimes at weddings. This pioneer, see- 
ing the evils of this custom, determined to abolish it from his 
premises. In the spring of 1825 a half-day's log rolling was to 
be done and the neighbors were to be invited. The messenger 
was directed to say to each one : "There will be no whisky, but 
father says he will try to treat you well." All came. About the 
middle of the afternoon the mother sent to the field a pot of hot 
cofifee, milk, sugar, tincups and pewter spoons ; also a large tray 
of hot corn pone. The father said : "Come, men, let's have some 
refreshments." All, seated on logs, partook of this substitute 
for whisky, and all seemed well pleased. The work was done be- 
fore sunset, and the men were called to supper, After which they 
voted it the best log rolling of the season. Thus, quietly and 
without the neighbors knowing it, a most important temperance 
reform was happily inaugurated, and in a few years no whisky 
was seen at any neighborhood gatherings. This pioneer served 
several years as magistrate. In those days the magistrates of 
the county met twice each month and held County Court. Much 
of the judicial business of the county was transacted at these 
meetings. Mr. Hart taught school both winter and summer, but 
mostly in the summer. The text books used in these pioneer 



— >3 — 

schools were "Noali Webster's FJciuentary S|)ellinji^ Hook." "In- 
troduction to the English Reailer, " the New Testament and 
"Pike's" or "Sniiley's Arithmetic." The only classes formed were 
in spelling. Those who could spell words only in one or two 
syllables were drawn up in line and exercised in spelling "for 
head" just before the noon recess. All others went through a 
similar exercise before dismission in the afternoon. The readers. 
one at a time, read to the master several lessons each day. Those 
studying arithmetic seldom i\'u\ any other work, e.xcejjt to spel! 
and write. Writing was done with quill pens, made by the mas- 
ter, each scholar furnishing his own tiuills. All scholars were 
required to study aloud, and this constituted a loud school. And 
a loud school it was. In the spring of i8j6 Mr. Hart organized 
in his neighborhood the tirst Sabbath School in the county. The 
exercises of this school consisted of reading the Scriptures, sing- 
ing a hymn, prayer ajid reciting verses of Scripture committed 
to memory during the week ; some reciting from twenty-five to 
fifty verses each Sabbath. He also engaged occasionally in 
work for the American Bible Society. There are Hibles in Bar- 
tholomew County to this day furnished by this pioneer gospel 
worker. 

On tlie afternoon of June 6. 1826, a dark cloud oversiiadowi-d 
this Christian household. The father was teaching in the neigh- 
borhood school house; the three younger boys were in school. 
Mrs. Sloan, a Christian neighbor, was spending the afternoon 
with the mother. A boy came to the school house, and looking 
in, exclaimed: "William is drowned I" The father and two oi the 
boys hastened to the creek, half a mile distant ; the other was 
sent home to break the sad news to the mother, who was then 
preparing supper. The message was conveyed to her in a whis- 
per. .Silt- turned to Mrs. Sloan and said: ".My son is flrowned." 
And kneeling l)y a chair that nnjther jxiured forth a full heart t ) 
Him who alone is a present help in trouble. After intjuiring 
about the sad aflFair, she went on with her work, ate supper and 
calmly waitr«| imtil the lifeless body «)f her first born was brot; ' 
home. There was no outburst of lamentation, but a quiet ft ^ 
nation to the will of her heavenly I'athcr. The burial took place 
the next day, the first laid in Sand Hill graveyard, for up to this 
time the nei; " had buried their dead on their own land. I'or 

more than a . ..; nothing unusual occurred in the uneventful 
history of this humble pioneer family, y /s :/,/ 

Alxjiit the first of 5>cptcmbcr. liJ'-^. the mother was attacked 
with bilious fever. Dr. Ki^cr was sent for, the first time a physi- 



— 14 — 

cian was called to this home. Some of the ladies of the church 
in Columbus came on horseback to show their sympathy and 
render such help as they could. The ever-ready and faithful 
Mrs. Sloan was with her during the night of the loth of Septem- 
ber, but went home at daybreak to prepare breakfast for her own 
family. At the rising of the sun, Sept. ii, 1827, the mother gave 
a parting message to each of her children. The father, in a 
clear voice, sang — 

"Jesus can make a dying bed , 

Feel soft as downy pillows are; 
While upon His breast I lean my head 

And breathe my life out sweetly there," 

And good Mary Hart was not, for the Lord had taken her. Then 
followed a simple breakfast and family worship. The day fol- 
lowing she was laid in Sand Hill graveyard by the side of her 
son. The two older boys went to live with two families in the 
neighborhood during the coming winter. The father and the 
younger son made their home with Gideon B. Hart, who had 
married and was living on a farm one mile northwest of the home 
place. And the dear little cabin home, that had sheltered us 
for six happy years, passed into the hands of strangers. 

In March, 1828, James Harvey was apprenticed to John B. 
Abbot, of Columbus, to learn the tailor's trade. Here he served 
six years. In May, 1828, the father and his son Samuel made a 
journey to Columbia, Maurey County, Tennessee, where Joseph 
Hart, Jr., was then residing. To prepare for this journey a one- 
horse Jersey wagon was bought. The women of the church spun 
and wove the cloth, and then came together at the house of Gid- 
eon B. Hart and made a suit of clothes for each and a Scotch 
plaid coat for the father, which had a belt and velvet collar. So 
stylish a cloak had not been seen in the neighborhood before. 
This journey occupied two weeks, and was the only journey the 
father ever made with a wheeled vehicle. The father remained 
in Tennessee two years, engaged in teaching the greater part of 
the time, and then returned on horseback and made his home 
with his son Gideon the remainder of his life. 

After his return from Tennessee in 1830. Congressman Wil- 
liam Herod visited this Revolutionary soldier to induce him to 
apply for a pension. But he said "No; I did not go into the 
army for money, and I served only a short time." The lawyer 
repHed, "But you were wounded in the service and partially dis- 



! 



abled for life." "Tnic, but I did very little service for the coun- 
try. The goveniment is now in debt, and I cannot ask for 
money." Tlu- subject was then dropjK'd. tiiovi^h renewed several 
times, but always with the same result. 

After his return from Tennessee. Mr. Hart lauijlu school sev- 
eral sunnners. either in his own neighborhood or in the Haw 
patch. In Febniary. 1H36. he sent his youngest son, a lad of 
sixteen, to Salem, Washington County, sixty miles froin home, 
to learn a trade. In the following May the father went to Salem 
an<l ai)prenticetl his son to Uavitl T. Weir to learn the cabinet- 
maker's trade. The pajx'rs of indenture were carefully drawn by 
the father, binding the lad to four years' faithful ser\ice. They 
were signed by the father and Mr. Weir, and theti recorded in 
the otVice of the recorder of deeds and indentures. The father 
then returned home. 

William Trotter, his son-in-law. having moved to Walnut 
Ridge, ten miles north of Salem. Mr. Hart visited his daughter 
in the spring of 1837 and taught school in their neighborhof)d. 
This was the last school he ever taught. He spent tlie fall and 
winter at home, and returned to W alnut Ridge, W ashington 
County, in the spring of 1838, expecting to teach again; but a 
suitable house could not be procured. In a letter written to his 
sons in Tennessee, from Walnut Ridge, he expresses great dis- 
tress of heart on account of the strife and division in the Presby- 
terian church into Old 5>chool and \ew School, claiming that 
the division was unnecessary and a violation of the constitution 
of the church. He became a decided New School man, but al- 
ways was charitable to the opposite j)arty. His return from 
Washington County, June, 1H3S. was the last journey he matle 
on horseback, his favorite mode of traveling. A considerable 
portion of his time in past years he spent in work for the Ameri- 
can Bible Society. 

As to his person, Mr. Hart was five feet, eight inclies in height. 
weight alxjut 130 pounds. He was always neat in his person 
and dress. Never ha<l a pair of boots, never wore suspenders; 
wore a low hat with brf>ad rim. His letters. Nsxitten to his chil- 
dren from 1825 tf) 1838. were very lengthy, correct in spelling 
and grammar, clear and concise in coju; ••■!). while the hand- 
writing is a marvel. The paper used w.. ,<• aiid uivuled, yet 
the lines arc as straight as if written on niled paper; the letters 
wr!! fMrtTirfl. every "i" is dotted and every "t" crossed. Postage, 
twenty five cents. 



— i6 — 

In September, 1839, he was stricken with paralysis in his right 
side, from which he never fully recovered. About a year later he 
had a second stroke of paralysis, which rendered him almost 
helpless. After this he never left his room ; and for six months 
before his death could not lie down on account of a dropsical 
affection. During this time his granddaughter, now Mrs. Mary 
E. Braden, of St. Louis, Mo., was his most faithful, efficient and 
affectionate attendant, administering to his wants during the 
day. At night his son Gideon was his nurse. Here let it be re- 
corded that during all the years that|liis father made his home 
in the family of his son Gideon, Hetty, the good and faithful 
wife of Gideon, was ever and always a most kind and affection- 
ate daughter to her father-in-law ; anticipating his wants and al- 
ways ready to make any sacrifice for his comfort. During all 
the time of his helplessness he manifested the greatest cheerful- 
ness and patience, with unabated trust in his heavenly Father ; 
often repeating the hymn, "How firm a foundation, ye saints of 
the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent word ;" or, "There 
Is a Fountain Filled with Blood," and many others ; also many 
passages of Scripture committed to memory in his youth. 

The writer of these lines visited him five weeks before his 
death, and at the final leavetaking the father said : "My son, I 
shall live but a short time. When you hear of my death do not 
put on any outward sign of mourning ; it will be a time of great 
joy to me." On the morning of June 20, 1841, he passed into 
the presence of his Lord whom, not having seen, he loved. Thus 
ended the earthly life of this remarkable pioneer and patriarch, 
at the age of eighty years and three days. Remarkable in that he 
was converted in his early youth ; remarkable in that he volun- 
teered to take the place of his foster father, who had been draft- 
ed into the army; remarkable in that, although he had been 
wounded and thereby partially disabled for life, yet he refused to 
apply for a pension ; remarkable as a pioneer teacher, as a tem- 
perance reformer, as a Sabbath School and Bible Society worker ; 
remarkable for his cheerfulness, enterprise and industry, not- 
withstanding his infirmities ; remarkable, above all else, for his 
simplicity of life, integrity and uprightness in dealing with his 
fellow-men, and in his modest Christian life. He lived the Gold- 
en Rule. And for more than fifty years he truly walked with 
God. His life was a manifest illustration of God's faithfulness 
to His covenant with Abraham, viz : "And I will establish my 
covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee in their 



-17- 

gencrations. for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee 
and thy secil alter tlicc." (Lien. 17: 7.) 

The writer has seen and baptized one in the sixth generation 
of this patriarch, and knows personally more than one hundred 
of his descendants. He has also, by correspondence, some 
knowledge o{ about five hundreil others. Of this number, at 
least tw».» hundreil are, or were when living. Christians. Many of 
them are active in the Lord's service, and a vci^' large majority 
are members of the Presbyterian church. Ten are preachers, 
many are ruling elders, superintendents of Sabbaih Schools and 
other oiVicers of the church. 

"Let the righteous be had in everlasting remembrance." 

The above sketch was compiled — 1899 — ^*y J^nies Harvey and 
Charles C. Hart, the only surviving sons of Joseph Hart. 



i8 — 



CHAPTER II. 

EDWARD AND ELIZABETH (HOOD) HART AND 
THEIR DESCENDANTS. 

Edward, the first child of Joseph and Nancy Shanklin Hart, 
was born in Washington County, Virginia, Sept. 14, 1788; died 
Oct. 24, 1858, aged 70 years. 

In 1791 his parents emigrated to Blount County, East Tennes- 
see. His early education was limited only by his opportunities. 
When one considers the wonderful beauty of East Tennessee, 
with its great natural resources, it is not strange that the sturdy 
and loyal people who first settled here should have been will- 
ing to endure any hardship in order to establish homes in this 
mountainous begirt land. Such surroundings never could tend 
to weaken the character of these people and, indeed, it almost 
seems that the strength of these hills must have imparted to them 
a certain strength of character. Here Edward Hart spent all his 
days except his early infancy. His boyhood was full of thrill- 
ing adventure, for at that time this country was subject to fre- 
quent raids by Indians, so that Edward spent many a day in the 
fort, or old blockhouse, known as Fort McTeer, where the early 
pioneers sought refuge from the Indians. One of Maryville's 
most desirable residence streets runs directly through the for- 
mer site of this old fort. When a youth Edward became an ex- 
pert in driving a four and also a six-horse team from the saddle, 
using only one line. He made frequent trips with country pro- 
duce from Blount County to Georgia, with cotton from Georgia 
to Baltimore, and with goods from Baltimore to merchants at 
Knoxville and Maryville. The round trip occupied about three 
months. He also hauled salt from the salt works in Virginia, a 
distance of eighty miles. In speaking of his early life, he said : 
"I was always in the saddle." 

February 22, 1814. Edward was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Hood, daughter of Nathaniel Hood, one of East Tennessee's 



— 19 — 

staunch pioneers. Elizabeth Hood was born Jan. 27, 1796; died 
Xov. 9, 1849, aged 53 years. She was eighteen and her husband 
twentv-five at the time of their marriage. In thi;)se days the cus- 
torn of showering the happy couple with rice had not come into 
vugue. possibly for the ver>- good reason that rice was too ex- 
pensive an article, or was not to be had at any price. Good wishes, 
however, were not lacking, and it seems that salt was the medium 
through which they were conveyed at that time ; for upon enter 
ing the new home, which stood only a few huiulred yards from 
Kdward Hart's boyhood home, the customary pile of salt was 
found on the hearthstone. In this same home they spent the re- 
mainder of their days and reared their family of twelve children, x 
all but two of whom reached the years of maturity. Their I 
names are as follows: Xancy Shanklin. born Dec. 14. 1814; Jo- 
seph, July 21. 1816: Margaret Maria. May 14, 1818; Abagail, ( 
" '■ch 13. 1820: Nathaniel. Dec. I. 1820: John. May 8. 1823: 
.i,..mas, Aug. 28. 1825; Elizabeth. Dec. i. 1827: James Harvey, 
.Xjiril 20, 1830. died Sept. 14. 1831 : Hetty Ann. July 12. 1832; 
Samuel Blackburn. Jan. 6. 1833; .\nnis Isabella. Jan. 19, 1837, 
died at the age of three years. 

Edward Hart united with the New Providence Tresbyterian 
Church July 26. 1826, under the pastorate of Rev. Isaac .Ander- 
son, n. D. In May. 1827. his wife united with the same church. 
Their children were all baptized by Dr. Anderson. New Provi- 
dence church at that time had 800 nv^mbers. 

Nancy Shanklin Hart, at the age of nineteen, united with New 
Providence Church, and on April 7. 1836, was married to a Pres- 
byterian clergyman, Rev. (leorge .Anderson Mat lies. After their 
irnrriage Mr. Mathes preachetl and taught several years in Ashe- 
ville, N. C. His next pastorate was at Rogersville, Tenn.. where 
he remained until his death, which occurred March 30. iK.}6 He 
was a scholarly, able and successful minister. They had four 
children, two of whom died in infancy. After the death of Mr. 
'' ' the mother, with the n-maining two children, returned 
:.ither's. Her daughter, .Mary Jane Mathes, married Mr. 
James Chandler. Their only child died. Mr. Chandler and his 
wif" moved to Clarksvillc. .Ark., where they bf>th died. 

y Mathes married Mr. .Sanniel Foster, of Knox county. 

Tlie, i..-..*<l tf> Micldle Tennessee. Two daughters were born in 
them, Pearl and Irene Kvella. The parents Iwjth died in 1889, 
anfl the children came to Maryville to reside with their uncle, 
Mr Blackburn Ross. IVarl r«»ster marriofl Mr. Henrv Rankin, 
■' Mossv Creek, Tcnn. T]u\' have one child. Myrtle, bom in 



20 



i894- Trene Evella Foster still (1898) lives with her uncle and 
is in school at Maryville. 

April 9, 1850, Mrs. Nancy Shanklin (Hart) Mathes was mar- 
ried to Mr. William Ross, who was a native of North Carolina, 
but came to Knox County. They lived on a farm near Knox- 
ville twelve years, and then moved to Louisville, Blount County. 
During the Civil War he was drafted into the Confederate Army 
and held for several years as a shoemaker. For thirty years he 
was an elder in Spring Place Presbyterian Church in Knox Coun- 
ty, but died in Louisville, Blount County, Oct. 2, 1867. They had 
four children, Rowena, Gaines Blackburn, Hetty, Flora Alice. 
The latter died at Louisville, East Tennessee, at the age of six 
years. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Ross moved to 
Maryville, where she died June 18, 1874. Rowena Ross married 
John Parker. They live near Manchester, Tenn., and have no 
children. Gaines Blackburn Ross is a successful merchant in 
Maryville, a self-educated man, and deserves the prosperity he 
enjoys. He is a member of New Providence Church. He was 
married July 5, 1877, to Miss Nannie P. Malcolm. To them four 
sons were born ; William, John, Samuel and Charles. The three 
younger died in infancy. 

Hetty Ross married Mr. John Lambert, of Middle Tennessee. 
They have six children; William, Robert, Samuel, Dora, Josie 
and Grace. They moved to East Tennessee, where Mr. Lam- 
bert died. 

In 1890 Mrs. Lambert married Mr. Mark Simpson, of Mary- 
ville, Blount County, and was elected elder in the church in that 
place in 1897, and in 1898 Mrs. Simpson and her children re- 
turned to Millsboro, Middle Tennessee, where her sons are en- 
gaged in farming. 

Joseph Hart, the only living member of Edward Hart's fam- 
ily (1900), was born July 21, 1816. At the age of seventeen he 
united with New Providence church. In early manhood he was 
elected an elder, and in 1843 was made Clerk of the Session. He 
was a cabinet-maker and carpenter, a skillful mechanic, and 
wrought at his trade for many years and was successful in his 
business. When about forty years of age he moved to Louis- 
ville, Blount county, and was elected elder in the church in that 
place. He afterwards moved to Knox County, and for many 
years has been an elder in the Erin Presbyterian Church. Beard- 
en Post Office. He has led a remarkably active Hfe, and is still 
(1900), at the age of 83, quite active, though partially blind. At 
the age of twenty-five he was married to Miss Jane Johnson. 



— 21 



Tlicy reared a family of six cliiklren ; Kmily l£lizal)eth. William, 
Susan MatiKla, Mary Wrij^ht. John Craig ami Hllen. Emily 
l£!i/abetli married Mr. Benjamin M. Robertson, a railroad engi- 
neer. They made their home in Cleveland, Temi. They have no 
chihlren. After his death, iStKD. the \vidi>\v returned to her fath- 
er's home, near Ebenczcr Post OtVicc, Knox County. 

William, second child of Joseph Mart, during the Civil War 
\\*as a soldier in the Third Tennessee Cavalry. Federal Army. He 
is an elder in the Cumberland IVesbyterian Church of Mbenczer, 
Knox County. He married Miss (Olivia Xelson. Their home 
for several years was at Ebenezer. where he was engaged in farm- 
ing and dairying. He afterwards removed to Knoxville and is 
engaged in the family grocery business. Jacob D. Hart, their 
oldest son. is pastor of the Second liaptist church in Petersburg, 
\'a. He is a talented and gifted young preacher, deeply spir- 
itually-minded, consecrated to his work and successful. 

.Mice, second child of William Hart, married a Mr. Price. They 
live in Knoxville and have no children. 

Samuel, third child of William Hart, married Miss Callic Coon. 
They are living on his father's old homestead at Kbcnezer. They 
have two children. McLamy, fourth child of William Hart, is a 
plumber by trade, doing business in Knoxville. unmarried. 

.•\rthur, fifth child of William Hart, assists his father in the 
grocery store. 

Emma, sixth child of William, married a Mr. Foster. They live 
in Knoxville and have one child. 

Stella. Tom and Lottie, children of William, arc wiih their 
parents. 

Susan Matilda. Joseph Hart's third child, was married to Mr. 
Robert Gray. Feb. 2, i8<^. They live near Ebenezer. Knox 
County. Mr. Gray was in the Federal .\rmy during the Civil 
\\'ar. He is now a j)rosperous farmer. They have two children, 
I-.rnma and Joseph Harold. 

Mary Wright. Joseph Hart's fourth child, born May 12, 1851 ; 
died June 21. 1852. 

John Craig, fifth child of Joseph, born He is 

a member nf the Presbyterian Church at Concord. He marrie<l 
Miss Lena Maxwell. They Iiave four children. Cowan. Ji^scph, ^ 
.\da and Hettie May. Tluy own a large farm of both bottom and // 
table land. \\c hai the largest .ind best barn in ITTN^t County, f^V 
and Is saul to l>c one of the best fartners in the county. 

Ellen, the sixth child of Joseph Hart, married Mr. Willi.im 
Henson. Tliey own a g«)od river farnj near Concord, Hlotmt 



— 22 

County. They are members of the Baptist Church. They have 
four children, Norena, Robert, Alvin and Goldie. 

Jane Johnson, the good wife of Joseph Hart, died at their 
home, Ebenezer, Knox County, Tennessee. 

Margaret Maria Hart was born May 14, 181 8, and was mar- 
ried to Mr. Wilham Alfred Mathes in 1837. They lived near 
Dandridge, Jeflferson county, Tennessee. In their early married 
life Mr. Mathes was engaged in farming and teaching, and at 
different periods was employed as colporteur by the American 
Tract Society, the American Bible Society and the American 
Sunday School Union, and as temperance lecturer; but always 
regarded the farm as the main support of his family. During all 
this period he was connected with the Presbyterian Church, but 
later in life he joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and 
was ordained as a minister in that denomination. Through his 
efforts a house of worship was erected on the corner of his farm, 
but within a year after its completion it was destroyed by fire. 
Nothing daunted, he began collecting funds and material for re- 
building, and persevered until a second building was erected, and 
for many years he preached and conducted Sunday School in this 
house. Plis good and ever faithful wife died Dec. 20, 1881, aged 
sixty-three years. She was a woman of great courage and stead- 
fast faith in the promises of God. Letters to her father, written 
when her children were small, show that whatever her hardships 
or privations, and they were many, her faith remained unshaken. 
Pier greatest desire was to bring up her children in the nurture 
and admonition of the Lord. They had eight children, James 
Harvey, Nancy Elizabeth, George Anderson, Rachel Emeline, 
William Edward Hart, John Theron, Nathaniel Beecher and 
Cordelia Josephine. Several years after the death of his wife 
Mr. Mathes married Miss Hettie Elizabeth Edgar. Mr. Mathes, 
though feeble from age, still (1898) preaches occasionally. 

NOTE— Rev. William Alfred Mathes died Sept. .., 1899, at 
the age of 85 years. 

James Harvey, oldest son of W. A. and M. M. Mathes, was 
Captain of a company and Adjutant of the Thirty-seventh Ten- 
nessee, C. S. A; afterwards a staff officer in General Bates' old 
brigade. He lost a leg and had a horse shot from under him in 
fiont of Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864. He had received a liberal 
education, and after the war he engaged in journalism. The 
writer feels tempted to copy the first letter he ever wrote. It 
was addressed to his uncle, Thomas Hart, and enclosed in a 
letter of his mother's to her father. : "April 26, 1846. Dear Un- 



— 33 — 

cle : I received your letter and was glad. I have not much to 
write, only that I am beginning \.o pU)Ugh a little. I am still go- 
ing to Sunday school. 1 will be examined, if 1 live, at the anni- 
versarv. I can't write much, but large streams from little foun- 
tains flow: tall oaks from little acorns grow. Yours. Jas. H. 
Mathes." This early promise was certainly fuHilled in after years. 
For after serving on the Memphis .\valanche. Louisville Courier 
and other papers, he became editor of the Memphis Ledger, 
which lie ably comlucted for twenty years, and in 1893 severed 
his connection with the press. About four years after the close 
of the war he was marrieil to Miss Mildred Sjiotswoo.l Cash, who, 
on her mother's side, came of old X'irginia families. She has 
been widely known as State Regent of the Daughters of the 
American Revolution, and in 1897 was prominent as one of the 
prime movers of the work of the Woman's I'.uilding at the Xash- 
ville Centennial Exposition. They have five children. First, 
Mildred Overton, a talented young woman. In 1893 she grad- 
uated from \'assar College, and soon after was elected to an im- 
portant position in a woman's college in Mississippi, .\fterwards 
she established a finishing scho<M for young ladies in Memi)his. 
Tenn. She married a Mr. Woodworth. They have one son. Their 
home is in San Rafael. Marion County. California. The other 
four are Lee Dandridge. an electrician : Benjamin Cash, a book- 
keeper : James Harvey, Jr., and Talbot Spotswood. 

J. Harvey Mathes held a county office four years in Shelby 
County, was an elector on the Cleveland and Hendricks ticket, 
ser\'cd two terms in the Legislature of his State, and has for 
twelve years l>een a member of the State F.oard of \isitors of the 
L'niversity of Tennessee at Knoxville. He is a Mason; also a 
member <A the Knights of Honor. He and the members of his 
fanjiiy belong to the C"«mgregational church, though in no way 
estranged from the Presbyterian church, to which he formerly 
! ■ (1. In 1878 he made a tour of Europe. They have an 

t.<L,..i.i h'^>me in a j)Uasant residence part of Memj)his. 

Nancy Elizabeth Mathes died in infancy. 

George Anderson Mathes entered the Confederate Army when 
he was very young; served in the Thirty-seventh Tennessee ; was 
womvled in front of Atlanta. Jtily 22. 1864. .After the war he 
completcfl his college erlucation, studied medicine, practiced law 
a few years, and then became editor of the Hrownsvillc States 
and Bee. He married Miss Mary ICnglish Dulan. of Jvsuth Caro- 
!:: .1 To them wa5 l»orn three daughters. Ntary. Belle and Geor- 
gia Tlie-se rhildrrn were early left orphans 'Hie mother died 



— 24 — 

first. Dr. Mathes died at the home of his brother in Memphis 
in 1881, aged thirty-eight years. 

Mary and Belle found a pleasant home with their uncle, Jas. 
Harvey Mathes, and have received a liberal education. Georgia 
was brought up by her aunt, Mrs. Emma Barton, of McMinn- 
ville, Tenn. 

Rachel Emaline Mathes received her education at Dandridge 
and at Mossy Creek. She married Judge James S. Barton, of 
McMinnville, and died in 1895. They had one son and one 
daughter, William Mathes Barton, a lawyer in McMinnvile, and 
Maggie Belle Barton. 

William Edward Hart Mathes was educated at Morristown 
and graduated at Washington College, Tenn. Studied law at 
Memphis. He married a daughter of Col. Harvey Williamson, 
of Shelby County, Tennessee. They had one daughter, who died 
at the age of ten. He practiced law in Memphis several years. 
In 1885 he moved to Ozark, Ark., where he is successful in his 
profession. His wife died while he lived in Memphis. After 
moving to Arkansas he married Miss Boundtree. They have 
two sons, Paul and Werdna. Mr. Mathes served one term in the 
Legislature of Arkansas and was a leader on the -floor. 

John Theron Mathes was educated at Tusculum College, Ten- 
nessee. Studied law, practiced in the courts of Mississippi and 
also in Crittenden County, Arkansas. Moved to Texas, and in 
1882 was elected County Attorney, served one year and quit 
practice on account of throat trouble. Since that he has been 
in the insurance business in San Antonio, Tex. He is unmar- 
ried. 

NOTE — Nathaniel Beecher Mathes. An autobiographical 
sketch will be found in the Preachers' Chapter of this history. 

Cordelia Josephine Mathes graduated at Brownsville Female, 
College. She is a gifted artist, having studied two years in Mem- 
phis under Miss Nate Cail, attended the Cincinnati Conserva- 
tory of Art and conducted the art department in the schools of 
Sommerville, Tenn, Pine Bluff and Morrillton, Ark. In 1893 she 
was married to Mr. Shirley Hewen, a teacher. They live in Lit- 
tle Rock, Ark. He is connected with a business college of that 
place. 

Abagail Hart was bom March 2, 1838. She married Mr. James 
Boyd. The greater part of their lives was spent on a farm near 
Eusebia, Blount County. They have five children, Mary, Camp- 
bell, John, Eliza and WilHam. 



— 35 — 

Mary Boyd, tlic eldest, iiiarried a Mr. 1 lines. They have five 
children. Lee, Stella. Cordelia, James and Nellie. Mrs. Hincs 
died in 1890. After the death of his wife Mr. I lines moved to 
Knoxville. Nellie Mines, the youngest, keeps house for her 
father. The others have employment in Knoxville. 

Campbell Boyd married Miss Elizabeth McCulloch. They 
have five chilren, John, Ida. William. Fred and Nellie. Their first 
home wa'S at Eusebia. Blount County. Mr. Boyd was an elder in 
the Eusebia church. Then for several years they lived in Mary- 
ville. where they ownetl and managed a planing" mill. Their 
present home is in Knoxville. 

John Boyd, son of Campbell, married Miss Kidd, of Mary- 
ville. Tliey have two children, a son and daughter. Mr. Boyd 
is employed as a traveling agent for the (ireer Machine Com- 
pany, of Knoxville. 

Ida Boyd died in young girlhood. 

William Boyd, son of Campbell, married Miss Mary Bruce, 
of Blount County. They live in Scviervillc. Me is a mechanic. 

I'red Boyd married They live in Knox- 
ville, and have one son, a railroad conductor. 

Nellie Boyd is a young lady, at home with her parents. 

Elira I'.oyd. daughter of James Boyd, married .\rthur Kinna- 
mon. a farmer, near Maryvillc. Mc is an elder in the Centen- 
nial Presbyterian Church. They have four children, l^aulina, 
Johanna. Oscar and Ophelia. 

Paulina was a student in Maryville College, preparing herself 
for a teacher, but when just ready to become a help and stay 
to the family, the Lord to<jk her to more glorious labor, in June, 
iS-Zt The other children are with their parents. 

William, son f»f James lioyfl. was a painter by trade and spent 
several years in Missouri, where he married Miss Mary Carnes. 
They have three children. Roy. Richland and Nellie. Me died 
in Missouri. The widow and her children make their home with 
her parents 

Sarah Jan<- B<»yd rtniained with her parents until after their 
death. Since then she has employment in a clothitig house in 
Kmixvillc. 

Mr. James Boyd died Feb. i, i^;j. and on March 1. just one 
month later, his widow joined him in their home abf)ve. 

Mr. Boyd was a man of gentle, even t«-mp(ram«-nt. ami in \m 
early days was a .singing master, and for many years was an 
cMrr in the church at Eusebia. They sold their farm and sfKUt 
their last year in a pleasant home in Maryville. 



— 26 — 

Nathaniel Hart was born Dec. 21, 1820. He united with New 
Providence Church at the age of seventeen. Having in view the 
medical profession, he studied Latin and other branches under 
the instruction of his brother-in-law, Rev. Geo. A. Mathes, at 
Asheville, N. C, and also at Rogersville, Tenn., where Mr. 
Mathes died. He then remained with his sister, Mrs. Mathes, 
managing her business afifairs until she returned to her father's 
home. He then entered Maryville College and graduated in the 
class of 1848. In September following he entered the Medical Col- 
lege of Louisville, Ky., from which he graduated two years after. 
He began the practice of medicine soon after at Cartersville, 
Ga. June 14, 1857, he was married to Mrs. Margie E. Godwin, 
a woman of education, culture and refinement. At the opening 
of the Civil War, 1861, they moved to South Carolina, near Mrs. 
Hart's birthplace and relatives. He entered the Confederate 
army and was commissioned Surgeon First South Carolina 
Regiment of Rifles. Served first on Sullivan's Island and around 
Charleston afterwards to the close of the war. They had four 
children, Augustus Griffin, Mary Elizabeth, Nancy Williams and 
Edward. 

Augustus Griffin married (name of wife not given). They have 
four children, viz : Margaret Eliza, James Edward, Augustus 
Griffin, Jr., and Lewis B., who died at the age of three years. Au- 
gustus G. Hart was postmaster for several years at Ninety-six, 
S. C, where he died Dec. 21, 1897, aged 36 years. 

Mary Elizabeth Hart married Mr. Augustine Young Chapman, 
of Brooksville, Fla. To them were born five children, Nathaniel 
Hart, who died when one year old ; Margaret Elizabeth, Carrie 
Lillian, Susie Griffin and Richard Lean, who died at the age of 
one year. Mr. Augustine Y. Chapman died May 11, 1897. 

Nancy Williams Hart married Robert Dudley Kirk, of Brooks- 
ville, Fla., Nov. 21, 1883. They have five children, Robert Na- 
thaniel, who died in infancy ; Charles Dudley, Joseph Porter, 
who died when two years old ; Imogen Natalie, who died in in- 
fancy ; and Lewis Edward. Mr. Robert Dudley Kirk died March 
20, 1898. 

Edward, youngest son of Dr. Nat. Hart, is a prosperous rail- 
road man and unmarried. All the children of Dr. Hart are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian church. 

After the close of the Civil War, Dr. Hart resided for several 
years in Ninety-six, S. C. From there he moved to Brooksville, 
Fla., where he owned an orange grove and vegetable garden. He 
was an elder in the Brooksville Presbyterian Church. His Pres- 



— 27- 

bvlen' sent him as a commissioner to the General Assembly, 
which met in St. Louis. Mo.. May. 1887. He received an injury 
in felling a tree from which he never fully recovered. He was a 
skillful physician, an upright citizen : in his private life he was 
almost witiiout blemish, a humble, faithful Christian. His end 
was peace. 

NOTE — After the close of the war he wrote to me as follows : 
"Uncle Charley: We believed we were in the right. We diil the 
best we could and we were defeated. Now it is our govern- 
ment, our flag. I will be as loyal as you are. — C. C. H." 

John Hart Was burn May 8. 1823. and died April 2, 1874. aged 
51. He united with the Xew Proviilence Church at the age of fif- 
teen. He was married to Miss Sarah Jane McCampbell. oi Knox 
County. Aug. 22. 1850. His wife united with the church soon 
after their marriage. They lived on a farm adjoining the farm of 
his father and grandfather. Here they remained the remainder 
of their lives. The old homestead is still in possession of three 
living sons. They hail seven children. James .Xalhaniel, Mliza- 
beth. Klien Florence, Joseph Anderson. John Alexander. Samuel 
Steel and William Anderson. 

James Nathaniel, born Sept. 7. 185 1. lived to l)e his mother's 
stay and helper after his father's death ; the firm friend and wise 
counse!U)r of his brothers. He was a member of the Rockford 
Presbyterian Church, and died March <), 18H8. aged ^7 years ; un- 
married. 

^"' • ' 'th. Ellen Florence and Joseph Anderson all died of 
di; a within two weeks' time, November 15 to December 

I. i860, ages from one to seven years. 

John Alexander, born Sept. 11, 1863. went to Riverside. Cal., 
in February, 1893. where he is engaged in packing and shipping 
fruit. 

Samuel Steel graduated from Maryville College in the class 
of i8<^3. He taught school both before and after he graduate<l. 
In Mav, i8f;4. he joined his brother at Riverside in the fruit 
business. 

\\ illiam .-Xnderson remained with his mother and successfully 
managed the farm until his mother's death. July 30, 18*^5. In 
if<f)j hv renterl f»ut the farm and joiin*! his brothers in California. 
His health failing, he returned to the old h«>me and died Dec. 

4. iH'A 

Thomas Hart was born Aug. 28. 1825 ; died Jan. 22. 1806. aged 

72. Hr united with New Providence Church Sept. 2. 1838, with 

hi* sister Abagail and his brother John, (^n Oct. 1. 1856, he 



— 28 — 

brought to the old home, as his wife, Miss MaHssa Ceneth Moon, 
and on the family homestead they spent a long and happy mar- 
ried Hfe, and there his widow and three of their daughters still 
live (February, 1900). The house has been remodeled, but a 
part of the original structure — as built by the patriarch, Joseph 
Hart, in 1793 — remains in good condition. A railroad has been 
built near the dwelling, thereby mutilating the farm. But the 
"old spring" is still there, supplying an abundance of pure wa- 
ter, as it did in 1792, when the land was first claimed. Thomas 
Hart led a consistent, godly life, and on Aug. 27, 1865, he was 
ordained ruling elder in Rockford Church, with which church 
in course of time, all his family became members. For many 
years he was a trustee of Maryville College, and had at heart the 
good of all religious and educational institutions. Nine children 
were born to Thomas and Malissa Hart : Margaret Eliza, Laura 
Josephine, Efifie Cenith, William Edward, Cora, Belle, Thomas 
Samuel, Ella Blackburn and Nellie Jane (twins) and Jessie Ann. 

Margaret Eliza and Laura Josephine died in infancy. 

Efifie Cenith is at home with her mother and has ably man- 
aged the farm interest since the death of her father. 

William Edward, born Feb. 5, 1867, reached manhood, and 
had become his father's stay and dependence, but the Lord had 
need of him, and at the age of 22 he was called to his heavenly 
home. 

Cora Belle married Mr. Nathaniel O. Lowry, Oct. 19, 1893. 
Mr. Lowry is an enterprising young farmer. They lived one 
year in Madisonville, Tenn ; one year in Maryville. He then pur- 
chased a farm two miles west of Maryville, where he is a success- 
ful farmer. They have one daughter, Bernice Lee. 

Thomas Samuel, born March 17, 1872; died Feb. 16, 1873. 

Ella Blackburn and Nellie Jane were born Dec. 8, 1873. These 
twin sisters have very close resemblance to each other. They are 
general favorites among all the relatives. Notwithstanding their 
inseparable devotion to each other, Nellie, it seems, formed a 
still stronger attachment, and on Nov. 27, 1895, was married to 
Mr. James Newton Haddox, of Knox County. Mr. Haddox is 
a teacher in the public schools of Knox County, and a genial, 
Christian gentleman. They have two children, Thomas Hart and 
May. 

Ella Blackburn Hart is engaged in teaching, but makes her 
home with her mother. Jessie Ann, the youngest of the family, 
is also at home with her mother. 



— 29 — 

Thomas Hart gave all liis chiUlrcn educational advaiita^jis at 
Maryvillc College. The two sons-iii-law also received their edu- 
cation at Maryville. 

I{Jizabeth was bom Dec. i. 1827. She was married to Mr. 
John V. Hooke. May 15. 1849. They united with New Provi- 
dence Church Sept. '21. 1852. She died June 22. 1894, aged 67 
years. Her children call her "blessed." Six children, three sons 
and three daughters, were boni to them: Robert H.. Albert M.. 
Ada A.. Arena A.. John Edward and Rlida. 

Robert H. and Albert M. Hooke graduated at Maryville Col- 
lege in the class of 1874 and from Danville Theological Seminary 
in 1877. The same year they were licensed and onlained Pres- 
bNlerian clergymen. Their biography will appear in the Preach- 
ers' chapter. 

R.ibert H. married in .Mtoona. Pa. They have no children. 

Alben M. married Miss I^ura Clark, of Bowling Green. Ky. 
Five children were born to them: Clark, Samuel, May, Mendell 
and Genevieve. 

John Edward Hooke died at the age of twelve. 

Ada, Arena and Elida Hooke received a liberal education at 
Maryville College, and all have been most competent teachers. 

Ada married Mr. David Park. They went to Wellington, 
Kan., where, within one year, the husband died. The widow re- 
turned to her parents. She has one S(jn. Perris Park, now Ot>X)) 
sixteen years old. and going to school in Maryville. 

Esquire John P. Hooke and his wife spent their entire married 
life on their fann. four miles east of Maryville, where they l)egan 
hou? ' ng. 'Sipjire Hooke was elected elder in New I^rovi- 

dcnci .oh in Septeniber, 1865, in which capacity he still 

serves (I900». and was elected Clerk of the Session, and served 
more than twenty years. In 1865 was elected trustee and treas- 
urer of Maryvillc College, and served in this capacity for twenty 
years. His Presbytery sent him as coininissi(»ner to the ( leneral 
Assembly which met May. i8«;8. at Winona. Ind. He and his 
daughters. Arena and Elida. arc still on the farm — 1900. 

' Har>'ey Hart was born .\pril 29. 1830, and died Sept. 

14. i8.ii. 

Hetty Ann Hart was born July 12. 1832. By her mother's 
death she was left in charge of the household at the age of thir- 
teen. She united with Now Providence Church May 30. 1852. un 
dcr the pastorate f»f Dr. Isaac .Ntulerson Dec. 16. 1858. about 
twrj nior"'' •'•• ^ »'" d'Mth of her father, she was jnarried to Mr 
John W n. They made their hon)c on a farm near 



— 30 — 

Boyd's Creek, Blount County. Mr. Eakin is a member of the 
United Presbyterian Church. He served as a Federal soldier in 
the civil war, Company B, Fourth Tennessee Regiment. During 
the three years of her husband's absence Mrs. Eakin went to the 
"Old Eakin" place and lived with her sisters-in-law, Mrs. Martha 
Eakin and Mrs. H. M. Eakin. All the men who did not enlist in 
the Confederate army, or make their escape to the Federal army, 
had to keep in such close hiding that they could do but little 
in carrying on the necessary labor of the community. And these 
three women, as did hundreds of other women in East Tennes- 
see, had to do their farm work, spin, weave and make their own 
and their children's clothing; and thus maintain a meager sub- 
sistence. During a part of this time Mrs. Eakin carried on a 
small school. 

At the close of the war Mr. Eakin was left totally blind, and 
remained so for six years, though he applied to famous oculists 
in Philadelphia and other cities. Finally, in Atlanta, Ga., he re- 
ceived 3-200 vision in one eye, which is still spared to him, so 
that he is able to walk about without a guide. Soon after their 
return from Atlanta they lost their home by fire. In 1874 he 
was elected Treasurer of Blount County, which office he held for 
two terms. During his term of of^ce they moved to Maryville 
where they have resided ever since. Mr. Eakin was brought up in 
the old Scotch Covenanter Church, and is at present an elder in 
the United Presbyterian Church at Big Spring. They have two 
children, John Samuel and Stella Hart Eakin. 

John Samuel Eakin was born Nov. 22, 1867. He graduated 
from Maryville College in the class of 1886. Three years later 
he graduated from Lane Theological Seminary, and in 1890 was 
ordained as a minister of the gospel by the Presbytery of Union. 
His autobiographical sketch appears in the Preachers' chapter. 

Stella Hart Eakin was born Oct. 6, 1873. I^^ early life she 
united with the New Providence Church. She graduated from 
Maryville College in the class of 1894, and has since remained 
with her father. 

Mrs. Hetty Ann Eakin was a woman of active mind, ready for 
any emergency, sterling character and an earnest Christian. 
She took great interest in church work, and in all missionary 
enterprises. She was a great comfort to her husband in his af- 
fliction. She died March 12, 1892, aged 60 years. 

Samuel Blackburn was born Jan. 6, 1835. At the age of 
seventeen he united with New Providence church. Later he 



3' 



removeil liis membership to Rockfonl Church, lie took a par- 
tial course in Maryville College, but diii not graduate. He mar- 
ried Miss Josej)hine Singleton Dec. i6, 1857. They have no 
children. They lived on a farm at Rockford, then moved t(^ 
Louisville, iJlount County, where he engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness. Then for several years in Louisville, Ky., engaged in the 
same business. They then returned to East Tennessee, and lived 
on a farm, three miles east of Maryville. until his death, which 
occurred March 31, 1873. at the age of 38. He is said to have 
been a man of most engaging manners, ready wit. with a keen 
sense of humor. .\nil was greatly beloved wherever known. 

His widow lives in Knox County. "Aunt Josie." as she is 
widely known, is the universal favorite among all the Last Ten- 
nessee relatives. She must share every joy. every grief, and no 
family gathering is complete without her presence. She has lived 
a most unselfish life, giving herself unsparingly and unceasingly 
for others. She more than merits the affection and high esteem 
in which she is held. 

Annis Isabella was born Jan. 19, 1837. Died Jan. 24, 1840. 
Tlie blessing of having a godly ancestry cannot be too highly 
appreciated. I*!dward Hart reared his family in the strictest 
manner and instilled into them, by example and precept, the 
highest principles of morality and integrity, and his intUience is 
felt to the third and fourth generation. His descendants have 
led honorable and upright lives, bringing no blot on the family 
name. His wife, Llizabeth. was a nol)le woman, worthy of such 
a husband and such descendants. Ldward and IClizabeth Hart 
lie buried in the old graveyard adjoining the original site of New 
Providence Church, near Maryville. 

N'()TL — The above excellent sketch ot Ldward Hart and his 
dr-"' '".'ants was cc»mpiled by Miss .Stella Hart I'.ikin. of Mary- 
V: .it Tennessee, a grand daughter of Ldward and Llizabeth 

Hart C C H. 



32 — 



CHAPTER III. 

A RECORD AND PARTIAL SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF 

THOMAS AND ELIZABETH (DUNCAN) HART 

AND THEIR POSTERITY. 

Thomas Hart, second son of Joseph and Nancy Hart, was 
born in the Blockhouse at Maryville, East Tennessee, Oct. 26, 
1791. He was brought up on a farm three miles north of his 
birthplace, with the usual experiences of a boy of that day. Be- 
ing a son of Joseph Hart he had a good example to follow, and 
good influences about him. As good citizens were characteristic 
of the community where he lived, he had good associates, and 
thus there was no reason why he should grow up other than he 
was, a pure minded, earnest hearted Christian gentleman. His 
father being a teacher he had some educational advantages, was 
very fond of reading and possessed an excellent memory,' was 
interesting in conversation, when he could be so engaged, but 
being of a modest, retiring disposition, he never put himself for- 
ward, prefering to listen rather than be heard. He was five feet 
ten inches in height, and weighed about 165 pounds. He was a 
soldier in the war with Great Britain, 1812-15. He enlisted in 
Blount County, Tennessee, May 31, 1812, in Captain Samuel C. 
Hopkins' Company, Second Regiment U. S. Dragoons, under 
Colonel James Burns. The command marched to the north and 
joined the Northwestern Army, under command of General Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison. In passing through Northern Ohio they 
frequently marched in water from three to sixteen inches deep, 
chopped down timber and bivouacked in the brush. He was in the 
siege of Fort Meigs, where he was wounded in the heel by an In- 
dian concealed in a tree top, and was always slightly lame from its 
effects. He was in the battle of the River Raisin, and many of the 
engagements under General Harrison. He remained in the 
service until Jan, 17, 1814, when he was mustered out at Water- 



— 33 — 

town, New York. Having walked all the way from Tennessee 
to Canada when it was alnu)si an unbroken wilderness, he lived 
to see the country prow into a densely poi)ulated and thrifty 
land of scliools, churches, cities, railroads, telegraphs and homes 
vv-iih ilie comforts ami luxuries thereto unknown, which was a 
neverendinij source of interest to him, and to note the progress, 
and compare the ditTerence between the various periods of his 
life. He, in early life, united with New Providence Church of 
Maryville, and was a strong adherent to the Presbyterian church. 
His heart was wning by tlu- strifes and dissensions of the church, 
which iinally resulted in the division in 1837-8 into what was 
known as Old School and New School. But as he was unalter- 
ably opposed to slavery, he felt that, deplorable as the division 
\\;i>>. as viewed from his standpoint of brotherly love and Chris- 
:ian forbearance, it was. nevertheless, the only possible solution 
of the question. Hut no rancor or hatred found lodgement in 
his heart. Though a firm New School man. yet he always sadly 
and tenderly spoke of the separation with the hope that the 
breach would be healed. An<l the Lord graciously sjiared him to 
see the breach healed — 18O9 — until not a scar was left. On Dec. 
15. 1814. he was married to Miss Elizabeth Duncan, of Blount 
County. Tennessee. Miss Duncan was born in Rock Ridge Coun- 
ty. X'irginia. Dec. 17, 1796. She was a member of Xew IVovidence 
Church, and a daughter of (jeorge Duncan, a well-to-tlo farmer 
and noted gunsmith of that time, and mechanical genius gener- 
ally. Some of the proofs of his mechanical skill are still in the pos- 

sion of his descendants. He was the son of 5>colch parents, 
who early emigrated to Virginia. He was also a soldier in the 
r, .,.'•♦, M.iry war. His wife died in early life, leaving him two 
an<l four sons. Klizabeih. or Betsy, as she was familiar- 
ly known, being the oldest, though but twelve years old, she took 

rge of the household affairs, and the care of the youngest 
> ...drcn; and well <lid she j)erform lur task, giving them all the 
r.ire an<l <!- ' •"■.n f)f a mother, teaching them morals and man- 
ners, and :^ well to their religiotis training. They all. in 
early life, became members of the Presbyterian church except 
one brother, who joined the Methodist church. Her father rc- 
marri* ars later, an<l her stepmother — who was an ex- 
cellent «.i 1. on coming into the fannly, that she was sur- 
'•r)-<-' '■■ " «> V..1M1.' .-xliibit such capability. an<l at the 

lie and children, which she had 
never seen excelled. 



— 34 — 

Thomas and Elizabeth Hart were the parents of eleven chil- 
dren, ten daughters and one son, viz : Lavina, Nancy, Angeline, 
Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Eleanor Jane, Benjamin Franklin, Harriet 
Newel, Marth L., Frances C, Frances Juliette. Two died in 
early childhood, Frances C. and the only son, Benjamin Frank- 
lin. The loss of this son was deeply lamented by the parents, 
yet in their sorrow they meekly bowed to the dispensation of 
a wise Providence. A mysterious Providence came to them sev- 
eral years after the death of their only son, which in some meas- 
ure relieved their afBiction. One day a strange woman, with a 
male child about i8 months old, came to their house and said, 
as they had daughters and no son, she wished to give them her 
child, she would not reveal her own name or that of the child's 
father. After some persuasion, and a promise never to come to 
see the child, they agreed to take it and bring it up as their own, 
which they did, and the mother never returned. 

NOTE — I had the above statement from Mrs. Nancy McAllie, 
second daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Hart, residing at 
Taylorville, Ind., July 26, 1899. C. C. H. 

The child received all the care and affection of a son, and was 
known as Jim Hart. When he came to manhood he married a 
Miss Blessing in Bartholomew County, Indiana. Moved to Car- 
rollton. Mo., where for several years he worked at carpenter's 
work, but of late years has been farming. They are a very respec- 
table family of people, and members of the Methodist church, and 
have seven children. To one accustomed to the luxuries of the 
present day the life of this family might seem hard and bare, but 
many are the bright pages in their memory of their childhood's 
happy home, when the days began and ended with religious de- 
votions. For truly these parents endeavored to "train up their 
children in the way they should go." The toil necessary for the 
comfort of a large family was relieved and sweetened in many 
ways. The daughters were taught the culinary skill by the moth- 
er, also knitting , spinning, weaving and the use of the needle ; 
several of them being expert with that useful implement, so small 
yet so great. Some of the older ones attended a school where 
needlework was taught. Advantage was taken of the writing 
school and the singing school, that great refining factor of those 
early days. In this exercise Psalms and hymns prevailed, 
though many other songs were sung, among which, as prime 
favorites, were "Hail Columbia," "My Country 'tis of Thee" 
and "The Star Spangled Banner." They studied the Shorter 
Catechism, read good books, and none other. They took ad- 



— 35 — 

vantage of evcrytliing thcv couUl to acquire eilucalion and useful 
knowlctlgc. 

A marked trait of tliis family was love for tlicir kindred, wliicli 
was never etYaced by time, distance, or new associations. Tliese 
parents realized in the conversion and Christian life of all their 
children the fultillment of the promise attached to the commaml, 
"Train up a chilil in the way he siiould go. and when he is old 
he will not tlepart from it." Their children were all bajjtizcd in 
infancy, and what is quite unusual, the same man that married 
the parents, also baptised all their children ; the Moses of East 
Tennessee, the saintly Dr. Isaac Anderson, the founder and first 
president of Maryville College. To be brought in contact with 
such a life as his was itself an education. Mis teaching and 
preaching to this family is exerting an influence now in the third 
and fourth generation. Only eternity can tell its vast reach. 
At one time all the members of this family were members of the 
Presbyterian church, but owing to circinnstances several of them 
became members of other churches, but all were active Chris- 
tians, and brought up their children in the fear and admonition 
of the L^)rd. and most of them arc members of evangelical 
churches. I'ands of roving Indians were sometimes seen in the 
vicinitv of their earlv home, but thev were never molested. On 
one occasion when the parents were at a weekly meeting the chil- 
dren left at home were badly frightened by the sudden ap])ear- 
."■' 'f three or four in their door yard. The Indians entered, 
all about the house, but took nothing. They lifted the lid 
ofT of the pot where the dinner was cooking, turned the cover 
down and took a peep at the babe asleep in the cradle. ncKJded, 
gnmted and took their departure, greatly to the relief of the 
children. 

One serious accident befell the father. On his way home from 

church with his wife one Sabbath day, a fractious colt, which he 

\' !s riding, took fright and ran away and threw him against a 

■ rnp an<l literally tore his nose off. leaving a hold df only a 

: ■ <l A goo<I surgeon, good blood and a kind I'rovitlence re- 
stored it to its normal contlition, and although very noticeable 
was not disfiguring to a great extent ; yet it made some alteration 
in W\s voice. 

In the fail of 1H46 Thomas Hart with all his family, three of 
whom were now married, removed to the State of In<liana. Tliej 
were five weeks on the way, an'l enjoyed a pleasant journey iti 
f' ' ' v autumn weather. Thry brought with then) both 
i. : .i:.l catilr II'- !>K-,Tfi-d . i|) ("Ijfiv f v.rk in Hartholomevr 



-36- 

County, four miles east of Columbus, in which vicinity he and 
his wife continued to reside until their death. They brought 
letters from New Providence Church upon which they united 
with the Presbyterian church of Columbus and enjoyed the pas- 
toral services of Rev. Benjamin M. Nyce and of Rev. James 
Brownlee, and afterward, for a period of seventeen years, that of 
Rev. Ninian S. Dickey, who, while he never came quite so near 
their hearts as Dr. Anderson had done, was greatly beloved by 
them. 

A Presbyterian church was organized at Sand Hill, near their 
home, to which they transferred their membership, Mr. Dickey 
being their pastor and stated supply. Thomas Hart was an 
elder in the church of Columbus and also at Sand Hill, which 
office he held at the time of his death, which occurred July 28, 
1865, at the age of seventy-four years. 

"The last few years of his life were years of feebleness and 
pain, but he was uniformly cheerful, resigned and happy. He 
talked of his death as calmly, and of heaven as confidently, as 
though he was about to make a safe and pleasant journey to a 
most desirable home." 

NOTE — About two months before his death I heard he was 
feeble. I made a journey of 250 miles to visit him. When I 
arrived he expressed great pleasure and asked how long I could 
stay. Till tomorrow morning, I replied. I want you to preach 
here this eveing, for that will be the last sermon I shall ever hear. 
The neighbors came, many of them his children or grand chil- 
dren. The women filled the house, the men on extemporized 
seats filled the door yard. I stood in the door and preached 
from Peter i : 8. After the people had retired we talked till mid- 
night. He was not sick, but feeble, cheerful and happy. 

C. C. H. 

For several years he and his wife, being too feeble to live 
alone, made their home with their son-in-law, William McDowel, 
where his wife continued to reside until her death, which oc- 
curred July 7, 1868. Quietly and happily she slipped out of the 
place she had so long and so worthily filled here and entered 
into that rest which remaineth to the people of God, aged 72. 

They both lie buried in Sand Hill graveyard by the side of 
his father, brothers and many of their children and grandchildren. 
Their active work in this world finished, but their influence is 
reaching out and out, through many varied channels. 

Lovina, eldest daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Hart, was 
born Feb. 11, 1816, in Blount County, East Tennessee. In early 



— 37 — 

life she united with New Proviilencc Churcli. She was married to 
Mr. Janies Matson Sei)t. 13, iS^t). He was a student of Marwille 
College, a member of the Presl^yterian church, an atTecticMuite 
husband and father, a genial and pleasant gentleman. He was 
bom Feb. 12, 181J, and dietl Feb. 22, i860, leaving his wife with 
seven of the ten children born to them, the youngest an infant. 
He was a member of Sand Hill church. 

Sarah, the first child of James and Lovina Matson, a general 
favorite for her sweet disposition, died at the age of 12 years. 

Thomas, second child of James and Lovina Matson, took the 
care of the familv on himself at the death of his father and noblv 
did he fulfill his trust, until cut down unexpectedly in the blcx^m 
of his young manhood, dying at the age thirty-one, when he was 
supposed to be recovering from an attack of measles. He was 
an exemplary Christian, a member of Sand Hill church and died 
in the triumph of a living faith. 

N'ancy. third child of James and Lovina Matson. remained at 
home with her mother until her death from cancer. I'eb. 3. 1887, 
at the age of 46. In early life she un'ted with Sa..(' Hill church 
and was a consistent Christian. At the disbanding of Sand Hill 
church she. with her mother and other members <>f the family, 
united with the Methotlist church. She was a right hand U> her 
mother in the care of the family. 

John Save, fourth child of James and Lovina Matson. was born 
in .\pril. 1844. Is living on the homestead near Hope. Iml. He 
is not married. He was a student in Hartsville College, and for 
many years a successful teacher in the public schools, but retired 
on account of ill health, and has since assisted on the home fann. 
He was for several years a member of the Sand Hill church, but 
is n • ! with the Metlmdist church in Hope. (See note.) 

>. . . . ^ ..;i Saye Matson died i8</>. aged 55. 

David H., fifth child of James and Lovina Matson. has never 
married, but remained with his mother and assumed the man- 
it of the homestead after death of his brother Thomas He 
wa> a student in Hartsville College, and is a successful farmer. 

Hetty atul Mary, sixth an<l seventh children of James and 
Lovina .Matson. <lied I'el). 17. 1862, within a few hours of each 
other of diphtheria, aged fifteen and five res|>cctively. 

y chill oi Innivs ind 1 "' n\, 

• 1 >•' j'U K. Sleinbergrr. a fanin 1 -•! i..ii molo- 

nty, at _«• of nineteen. They are members of the 

Mrthodi^t church at Pctcrsvilic, Ind. Thev liavc five children. 



-38- 

James Franklin, ninth child of James and Lovina Matson, was 
born March 17, 1855. He studied in the schools of the neigh- 
borhood and assisted on the farm until he grew to manhood, 
when he became a student in Hartsville College, and afterwards 
studied law and remained in that profession in Columbus, Ind., 
for several years, when he became city editor of the Columbus 
Republican, and held that position for a number of years, after 
which he removed to Indianapolis and commenced the publica- 
tion of the Policy Holder, an insurance paper, in which he is 
still engaged. He was married in 1880 to Miss Emma George, 
of Hope, Ind. They have two bright children, Charles, born 
in 1 88 1, now a student in the Manual Training School of Indian- 
apolis, and Ethel, born in 1883, who has entered the Indianapolis 
High School. 

Ella, tenth child of James and Lovina Matson, unmarried and 
remains on the homestead with her mother and brothers. 

Lovina Matson was a woman of decided character and excel- 
lent health almost to the close of her life. For the last few years 
she was afflicted with paralysis. She died in October, 1898, aged 
82 years, and was buried in Sand Hill graveyard. 

Nancy, second child of Thomas and Elizabeth Hart, was born 
Jan. 22, 1818, in Blount County, Tennessee, and early in life be- 
came a member of New Providence Church. She enjoyed such 
advantages for education as the neighborhood school afforded. 
Was married to David Eagleton McAllie Sept. 24, 1835. He was 
a member of New Providence Church, and took a partial course 
in Maryville College, was a farmer and teacher. They removed 
to Clark County, Indiana, in March, 1844, and to Bartholomew 
County, Indiana, in 1851, where he engaged in farming and 
teaching, and for several years he was connected with the wool 
carding business at Lowell Mills, Ind. He died in Newbern, Ind., 
Dec. 14, 1893. His wife is still living (1899) a long and useful 
life, in which she has won the love and esteem of a host of friends 
by her uniform cheerfulness and thoughtfulness for others. With 
the many cares of a large family resting on her, she could always 
enter into the joys and sorrows of those about her. 

In her widowhood she makes her home with her youngest 
daughter, Mrs. John A. Williams, at Taylorville, Ind. They were 
the parents of nine children. 

Thomas Franklin, first child, was born in Blount County, Ten- 
nessee, Feb. 27, 1838. He was married to Miss Jane Frost, of 
Newbern, Ind., in September, i860. They are members of the 
Methodist church. He has been a successful merchant, farmer 



— 39 — 

and stock trader, and is one of tlic wealthiest men of Barthol- 
omew County. They have thirteen children, seven living, six have 
died. 

Charles Franklin, bom Jan. 14. 1863, is a farmer and owns a 
farm adjoining^ his father's, lie married Miss I-'lura Morrison, 
of Xewbern. March 14, 1883. They are members of the M. E. 
church. They have two children, Nellie and Leroy. 

Cordelia, bom June 7, 1865, was married to Mr. Boyer Dec. 
16, 1883, and died Feb. 3, 1890, leaving two children. 

Mary, born April 13. 1869, married to John W ebb, a teacher, 
Sept. I, i88y. They have one child. 

Orion, born May 2S, 1867. married Scj)t. i, i88<^. to Miss Ada 
McClintock. of Xewl>em. They are members of the Christian 
dnirch and have two children. Pearl, born July 10, i8*/>. and 
Ruby. Oct. 7, 1893. 

Ethel, born Nov. 16. 1875. and was married to Mr. John Mc- 
Kain. a farmer of Ncwbem. June 7, 1891. She is a member of 
the M. F. church. They have three children, Gale, born Sept. 
6, 1892: Ruth, born June 15. 1895 : I'lanche, born Sept. 27, 1898. 

Edyth and Edgar, twins, bom Jan. 7. 1877. Edyth died in 
infancy. Edgar was married to Miss Alta Miller, of Ilojie, Ind., 
Oct. 12. i8«;8. He enlisted in May. 1898, as a private in Com. 
G. 159th Ind. X'olunteers. The regiment was nmsteretl out in 
November, 1898. 

Minnie, bom Jan. 23, 1879. Names of other four not reported. 

Mary Elizabeth, second child of David E. and Nancy McAUie, 
was br)rn in Blount Coimty, Tennessee, June 23, 1839, '"^"^ ^^'^^ 
married to Mr. Dennis lIo|)kins, a worthy and prosperous farm- 
er of Bartholomew County, Sept. 25, 1856. They are members of 
the M. E. church and prominent in all good works in their com- 
munity. Noted for their care <jf the sick, their social disposition 
and integrity «>f character. Their children are nearly all mem- 
bers of the M. E. church; several of the daughters are teachers 
in the public schools. They have ten chilflren : Martha L., bom 
Aug. 12. 1857. and died Nov. 26, 1857; Albert M., born Feb. 21, 
1859. Me was married to Miss Flora A. Moore in April. 1881, 

He i» a farnier an<l resides in They 

have eight children; Mary l*'., born 1H82; James R., born 1884; 
Edith E., Iwrn 1886; Willis A., born i88<^: Kctnpcr M.. bom 
1891 ; Clinton F., iKjrn 1893; Florence, bom ii**/>: Waller Q., 
born 1898. 



— 40 — 

Monta, born Aug. 6, 1862, was married to William Stark in 
September, 1890. They have no children. Postoffice address 
is 

Etta M., born June 30, 1864. 

Sherman, born Nov. 7, 1866. 

Clara A., born March 23, 1869. 

Cora, born Dec. 24, 1872. 

Mabel, born Nov. 26, 1874, and died Aug. 23, 1875. 

Wilber, born May 16, 1876. 

Vina Kate, born March 22, 1878, was married to Walter E. 

Miller in February, 1897. He is a and lives 

They have one son, Wayne H. Miller. 

Margaret, third child of David E. and Nancy McAllie, was 
married to Mr. Henry Ueberroth, a merchant of Columbus, Ind., 
Sept. 28, 1859. She was a member of the M. E. church, and he 
of the Presbyterian. They had two children, first, Minnie, born 
Oct. 28, 1861 ; married to Samuel Sayers, a grain inspector, on 
June I, 1882. They had one child, Josie Sayers, born Sept. 5, 
1883. Minnie died Jan. 11, 1890. Second, Eva, born Jan. 11, 
1873. Married Mr. Frank Smith, Nov. 15, 1892. They had one 
child. It died and was buried with its mother in 1893. ^^r- 
garet, wife of Henry Ueberroth, died Sept. 12, 1881. 

NOTE— Revs. Charles C. and William T. Hart were in Co- 
lumbus attending the reunion of the Hart family at the time 
when Mrs. Ueberroth's death occurred, and each took part in 
the fCineral service. — C. C. H. 

Josephine L, fourth child of David E. and Nancy McAlHe, 
was born Jan. 11, 1843, and was married to Frank F. Wills, 
an expert miller of Lowell Mills, Ind., Aug. 3, 1862. They had 
seven children: Elmer E., born at Lowell Mills, June 2, 1863- 
Morton U., born April 19, 1866, died at Noblesville, Ind., Sept! 
29, 1883; Lilhan A., born Feb. 20, 1869; was married to Mr B 
E. Beard, July 6, 1897; Emma W., born Feb. 16, 1872; Grace, 
born Oct. 11, 1874; was married to Mr. A. P. Simpson, March 
29, 1898; Frank Raymond, born June 11, 1879; died at Nobles- 
ville, Dec. I, 1884; Carl, born Jan. 12, 1882; died at Noblesville 
Aug. 21, 1883. Mr. Wills now resides at Springfield, O 

Alice J. M., fifth child of David E. and Nancy McAllie, was 
born at Henry ville, Clarke County, Indiana, May 13, 1845. She 
was a universal favorite among all the relatives for her sweet 
disposition. She was married at Lowell Mills to James Ander- 
son, a miller, June 14, 1865. They have three children: Cora 
Jim, born July 7, 1866; was married to Mr. Frank Porter Oct 



— 41 — 

24. i894- They have two children : N'irpinia A. and Harold A. 
Nancv Kate, burn June 29. 1875; IVank IC. born Jan. jS, 1878, 
is a medical student in the I'niversity of Tennessee. This family 
are all members of the IJaptist church and reside at Belle Buckle, 
Tenn. 

I'rances Ennna C, sixth child of David E. an<l N'ancv Mc- 
Allie. was born Nov. 16. 1848; died in August, 18O1. 

John Calvin, seventh child of Uavid E. and Nancy McAllie, 
was bom July 7, 1851. Was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Ed- 
wards, of Xewbern, Sept. 28, 1871. Unto them were born ten 
children. John C. McAllie is a leading" member of tiie M. E. 
church of Xewbern, Ind. 

^laggie May. born Dec. 9, 1872. Is a member of the M. E. 
church, as also arc the parents and nearly all the children. 

William Elsworth. boni March 31, 1874. He is a carpenter. 

Harry Waldron. born Jan. 2. 1876. 

Ralph, born Jan. 20. 1878. Member of the M. E. church, a 
staunch Christian after the old Joseph Hart palteni. 

Clarence, bom June 4. 1880; died Dec. 22, 1881. 

Roy. born March 16. 1882. 

Eamest, born March 17, 1885. 

Raymond, born Oct. 22. 1887; died April 30, 1888. 

(Jrace. bom Jan. 31. 1889; died Jan. 7, 1891. 

Infant, died July i. i8<>2. 

JIarry Waldron McAllie enlisted in Company !•", U. S. In- 
fanlr>', in April. 1898. He. with his regiment, was all through 
the campaiq^n in Cuba ; was at the capture of El Caney ; and 
when they made the attack on San Diei.,^* he was one (if the de- 
f.'ii' -<ni fonvard to cut the wires, which were such an effectual 
e of the city. It seems almost miraculous that he caine 
ihroupfi that and many other thrillinjj adventures without a 
scratch. He retumed t«) the I'nited .States in .\uj.just. i8<>8. and 
'• '- '-romoterl to corp<jral for his bravery during the war with 
In I'ebruary. i8«/>. he, with his regiment, embarked for 
the Philippine Islands for duty. Ralph Mc.Mlie enlisted as a 
private in Cfunpany K. i6th Indiana X'olunteers. July 3. i8i>8. 

In ^ t the regiment was ordered .South, and in December, 

to i a, Cuba. 

Samuel Blackburn, eighth child of David E and Nancy Mc- 
Allie. wa« iKirn July 2. 1854; died .Sr|)t. 22. i8^)i. 

Dora I" . ninth rhihl of Davi<l E. and Nancy Mc.Mlie. wat 
bom ,\pril 30. 1H5K W.i> married to Mr. John ,\ Williams, a 
farmer and carpenter of Taylorsville. Ind.. Nov. 22, 1H77. They 



— 42 — 

have two sons, Reuben Errol, born Oct. 9, 1878; and Floyd 
Eagleton, born Aug. i, 1882. This family are Methodists. 

Angeline, third daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Hart, was 
born in Blount County, East Tennessee, Dec. 17, 1819. She was 
converted in early life and united with New Providence Church. 
In 1846, she, with her parents, emigrated to Bartholomew Coun- 
ty, Indiana, where she underwent the toils, privations and varied 
experiences common to all settlers of a new country, one of 
the most trying of which was the sickness arising from the 
swampy and undrained condition of the State at that time. She 
was married by Rev. John B. Saye, her brother-in-law, June 9, 
1851, to Mr. Jordan Winchester, a farmer of Johnston county, 
Indiana; a man of sterling qualities of character, a Kentuckian 
by birth, a nobleman by nature and an earnest Christian by prac- 
tice. He was strong, self-reliant, capable and intelligent ; with 
the courage of his convictions on all matters of importance. A 
Methodist of the Old School, but not intolerant of the views of 
others. He labored to make his a home of peace, prosperity and 
happiness. He died of blood poisoning Nov. 11, 1865, aged . . . ., 
leaving his wife in her desolation to bring up her five children 
born to them. What made it especially hard for her was the fact 
that her father had died but a few weeks before, and having no 
brother or male relative living near to be an adviser, she, a 
timid, backward woman, must face the responsibility of train- 
ing up her children alone. Her own early training qualified her 
for this work. And with what fortitude, patience and fidelity 
she performed this duty her children and friends bear loving tes- 
timony. Her graces of character were many, and yet she was 
of such a retiring disposition that to fully appreciate her one 
must know her intimately. Of a deeply religious nature, she 
moved on with no loud claim of piety on her lips, but always had 
a word of appreciation for Christian effort or religious service. 
If the sermon was not so eloquent, the text was sure to be good. 
Her great love of the Scriptures was manifest by her daily pe- 
rusal of it. No one heard her boast of her love of flowers, but 
her yard was a wellspring of delight "from early till late," with 
one beauty following another, and especially such as were doubly 
valuable for their fragrance. What wonder that we laid her away 
with her hands full of the beauties she loved, heaped the cover 
that hid her precious form from our sight and plant her own fa- 
vorites to bloom by that sacred spot! In her ministrations to 
the sick she was especially skillful. None could excel her in 
preparing some delicacy to tempt the appetite or please the pal- 



— 43 — 

ate of the suflFcrcr. ami yet so quietly done you scarcely knew 
how it caiiK- about. Ambitious for her chiUlreii's welfare, and liv- 
ing where there was not the most favorable prospect for success 
in business, she sadly but cheerfully consented to their chang^iug 
to other fields of labor, but never for a moment did her inllucnce 
over them weaken, while her letters were a constant source of 
comfort and pleasure to them. Ciiftcd in the art of conveying 
the very information most desired, leaving out no detail of home 
life. Tlieir interest in other and new duties never beguiled their 
affection from the old home, and no duty was ever allowed to 
crowd out the letter that each sent regularly to the mother, so 
eager to hear from them. And when the last sa«l parting came, 
she turned her face, so glowing with the light of heaven, to us, 
that our hearts, though broken with grief, were healed with joy. 
Surely "her memory shall remain a sweet and unfading recol- 
lection." She died on the i8th of December. i8<;5. aged seventy- 
six years and one day, and was buried by the side of her hus- 
band at Mf»rirantown. Ind.. to which place she an«l her husband 
removed in 1857. Her resting place was almost in sight of the 
roof that had sheltered her for nearlv forty years. She never left 
the Presbyterian church. In her later years she could not at- 
tend that church, owing to distance and her age. but was a con- 
stant attendant at the Methodist church near her home, and at 
her death permission was given to place her name on the church 
roster of the dead, as a worshiper with them, only one other per- 
son, not a member, being thus hi:>nored. 

Harriet McDowell, first child of Jonl.ui .imi .'\ii^«line Win- 
chester, was bom Dec. 4. 1S52. Was marrir.l by Kev. S. W. 
McXaiighton to John S. Collett, a faruK-r of Johnston Coimty. 
Indiana. Jan. 31, 1867. and was left a widow in the short space 
of se' • nths : her hu^'band. a very worthv Christian 

man, i .i.^ ^ nt down in the bloom of his youth by the i 

of typhoifl fever. She returne<l to the home <jf her mother, w! 
on the loth of December. 1873. she was married to William II. 
Montgomerv, who fjierl in the autumn of 1888; since which time 
she has live»l with her mother, remaining still in the oM ' 
stea«l. which has been kept in the family. She has no c i 

and is a member of the Methodist church. 

Martha Jane, second child of Jordan ami Angeline Winchester. 
was born Sef>tembcr, 1854. Was married t>y Rrv Wm. C. Smith 
Dec. 12. 1872, to Mr. Robert Kallani, of .Shelby (.ounty. In- 
diana, who has been a great fav<iritc in the family, but whose life 
was shadowed by suffering. He died ,'\pril 22, 18- f;. mourned 



— 44 — 

and loved by all who knew him. He was a soldier in our Civil 
War, in the army of the Cumberland, under General George H. 
Thomas, in the regiment commanded by Colonel (now General) 
Lawton. His family were related to General Gage, of Revolu- 
tionary fame. His grandfather was paymaster in that army. 
They lived in their own home in Martinsville, Ind., since the 
first year of their marriage. They had no children. She is a 
member of the Methodist church. 

Juliet Emmaline, third child of Jordan and Angeline Winches- 
ter, was born May :iy, 1856, was nine years old at the death of 
her father. She taught eight years in the common schools of 
Indiana. She was married at Morgantown by Rev. I. V. Moore, 
Dec. 27, 1877, to Mr. Charles C. Roth, a native of Western 
Pennsylvania. Their home since 1884 has been in Indianapolis, 
Ind. Mr. Roth is city salesman for a wholesale grocery house ; 
was for six years a member of the Board of Education of In- 
dianapolis and a member of the committee that projected and 
built the Manual Training and High School of that city. Is now 
(1899) a member of the Board of Public Safety of Indianapolis. 
He is also engaged in the manufacture of gas engines. Is a 
member of the Knights of Pythias, a Mason and in politics, a 
Democrat. They have one son, Charles Roth, Jr., born May 13, 
1879. He and his mother are members of the Seventh Presby- 

''. terian Church of Indianapolis. He graduated from the Manual 
Training High School June 8, 1896 ; worked one year in the Mer- 
chants' National Bank, of Indianapolis, and is now (1899) in his 
sophomore year at Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind. He is 
mechanical and musical in his nature. Mathematics is his fa^ 
vorite study. 

_,. Wilber Fisk, fourth child of Jordan and Angeline Winchester, 
was born at Morgantown, Ind., Feb. 20, 1858, his father dying 
when he was seven years old. He was a boy that was early a 
man, and took all the responsibility and care possible off of his 
mother. He was kept most of the time in school, as were all his 
mother's children, until his sixteenth year, when he came to try 
his ability in the city. His mother, though reluctant to see him 
take a departure, which she knew must be permanent, wisely con- 
sented. He came to Indianapolis, and finding no opening in a 
mechanical direction, turned his attention to the wholesale 
houses, and after applying to most of the houses on South Me- 
ridian street, then as now the great wholesale district, he finally 
secured a place in Hendricks & Co.'s wholesale shoe store at 
$25 per month, which seemed to him a princely sum until his 




— 45 — 

board and incidental bill was considered .He was given a key 
to iIjc store the tirst day. which he carried nearly twcnty-f- -r 
years, and until he dissolved his connection with the house, li-. 
was promoted from time to time, and for twenty years was trav- 
eling salesman for the liouse. He was always a comfort to his 
mother, and never swerved in his duty to her. He was married 
by liishop Joseph C. Talbott. June ii. 1879. to Miss lanr.u- 
\\ ilder. of iulianapolis. where they have since resided. By his 
diligence Ue has acquired a home and competence. A baby boy 
was born to tliem in Januan.-, 1884. but was taken away after 
three short days. He is a Republican in iK)litics. uses neither t > 
bacco n<>r l)eer, belongs to no secret order e.xcept the Conmur- 
cial Gub, but prefers home to lodge or club room. He is now 
(iS*/)) traveling for a wholesale shoe house in Jefferson City. 
Mi^v'uri. 

W illiam E. S. Winchester, fifth child of Jordan and Angelir.e 
Winchester, was born May 28. i860. His early boyhood was 
spent in the schools of Morgantown. but when his brother li>- 
catetl in Indianapolis, he, too, determined to try to find cmpl-v- 
ment there, which he diil : working in various shoi)S and ! v. - 
tories, until he finally entered the Ciibson Mills, then under t:ic 
superintendence of Frank T. Wills, where he learned the millirig 
business. Havmg mechanical abilitv and diligently applying 
!:i:n<;''lf, he became an expert miller. Tin's business he has sir.ce 
■ I'we*!. except a few years si)ent as a conurercial traveler. He 
is now (i8<;«») superintendent of mills in I^wrcnceburg, Ind. He 
was marrie<l by the Rev. Oscar McCullock, April 5. 1883. to >' 
Alice Purcell. of Indianapolis. They have two sons. Robert -- 
born Jan. 12. 18^4. and Wilber T, born Nov. 10, 1888; bright, 
healthy boys, with a great deal of original ingenuity, fond of 
reading and music. 

\nn, fourth chihl of Thomas anrl ^" ' 'h Hart, v. 
bofii . • i». 20. 1822. in Rlount county, Ivast .- ...- ^see Id • 
life united with N'ew Providence ( hurch. Was married ( 
1839. to Rev. John R. Saye, who had been a student m Mar\ 
College. He v^*as a scholarly man, a very affect ionatc h 
and fathrr. They came to I' -.1 in 1846. and soon ai 
cat'd in T^.TiiVlin, Johnston < . and for several years In- h.i ! 

ch^ il chtirchcs in the surrounding coiintrv Hr . 

pencneed the u<iual vicis»itu<les of minister» in • 
hut hi<^ *'ver h'' ' ' ' with 

nc itv. He . : churi • 



-46- 

in Southern Indiana, and then removed to Southern Illinois, 
where he preached a few years, and finally located in Springfield, 
III, where he died of pneumonia, March 14, 1876. Owing to po- 
litical differences between the north and the south, he being a 
native of the south, he decided to retire from the Presbyterian 
church and cast his lot with the Episcopal church ; but he could 
not reconcile himself to the use of the prayer book and other 
forms, and finally found a home in the Methodist church, but re- 
tired from the ministry several years before his death on account 
of pulmonary trouble, from which he had long suffered. 
"Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." After the death of 
her husband Mrs. Saye removed to Chandlersville, 111., that she 
might be with her children, two of whom had located there. She 
died March 17, 1895, aged 73; and was buried at Chandlersville. 

John B. and Mary Ann Saye were the parents of six children. 
Margaret EHzabeth, born Sept. 3, 1840, was a teacher before her 
marriage, which occurred March 3, 1867. She was married to 
Mr. Benoni Jones, a farmer of Bartholomew County, Indiana, 
where they lived for several years, and then removed to Shelby- 
ville, Ind., where he died in 1894. They had six children: Mary 
May, Charles B., Albert A., Frederick, Katharine and Leonora 
Elizabeth. All are living except Katharine, who died in infancy. 
Mary May is a teacher in the city schools of Shelbyville. Charles 
B. is engaged in the gentleman's furnishing goods business. 
Frederick was married to Miss Mary Kennedy, of Shelbyville, in 
1898. Frederick and Albert are together in the furniture busi- 
ness. They all reside in Shelbyville, and all are members of the 
M E. church. 

Phoebe Jane, second child of John B. and Mary Ann Saye, 
was born July 3, 1843. Was married to Prof. R. Cromlick, Dec. 
15, 1870. They are both members of the M. E. church. She was a 
teacher for several ;^ears before her marriage. She and her hus- 
band are both talented musicians, and conduct a musical normal 
in Chandlersville, 111. They have one daughter, Annie, who is a 
fine musician and teacher of music, and has published some 
beautiful compositions. 

Payson Hart, third child of John B. and Mary Ann Saye, was 
born March 4, 1847; died at Franklin, Ind., Aug. 12, 1850. 

Juliet Lovina, fourth child of John B. and Mary Ann Saye, 
was born May 24, 1849; died Sept. 4, 1850. 

Thomas Richard, fifth child of John B. and Mary Ann Saye^ 
was born July 2.7, 1852; died Feb. 14, 1897. He was married to 
Miss Mary Ann Ainsworth, May 11, 1880, both living in Chan- 



— 47 — 

dlc-svillc. Five children were born to them, all of whom are 
now living, viz : Harry. Andrew, Ruth, Anna and Crace. Thomas 
R. Save was a member of the CiMij^regational church, a Masc.n of 
high standing, as was also his father. He also belonged to the 
Good Templars ; was a noted singer, in nuich demand in choirs 
and on special occasions. 

John, sixth child of John B. and Mary Ann Saye. was born 
Jan. 7, 1859: died Aug. 2. i860. 

Elizabeth, fifth daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Hart, was 
born in Blount County. East Tennessee. Oct. 23. 1823. Early in 
life became a member of New Providence Church. She accom- 
I anie.l the family of her brother-in-law — David E. McAllie — to 
Henryville, Clarke County, Indiana, in 1843, and was married to 
George H. Townsend. a thrifty farmer of that neighborhood, 
Aug. 30. 1847. He was a member of the Protestant Methodist 
church. His church was disbanded, and he and his family united 
with the Missionary Baptist church. They were excellent peo- 
ple and held in high esteem by the community. They had ten 
children, viz: Xora J., Thomas M.. Lafayette D., George Dun- 
can, Charles Beecher, Addie, Ella Elizabeth, Lillie Alice. Laura 
Pink and Daisy Forest. 

Nora J., first child of George and Elizabeth Tou-nsend, was 
bom at Blue Lick, Ind., June 7. 1849. Was married to Hetiry 
Carr. Xov. 3. 1866. He died Dec. 26. 1871. They had four chil- 
dren, all of whom died in infancy. The widow was married a 
second time to John W. Batty, a farmer of lUue Lick, Oct. 10, 
iS.'^j. They arc members of the Christian church. Tliey have 
four children: Ralph C. born May 6. 1881 ; John Byron, bom 
Aug. 24, 1883: Estella F^ink. bom Sept. 10. 1H87: Helen Town- 
send, born Oct. 31, 1889. 

Thomas, second child of George and Elizabeth Townsend. was 
born March 7, 185 1. Was married to Miss Matilda Rud. of Blue 
Li'k. S(i»t. 30, 1870. They are members of the .M. 11. church. 
They have nine children. Two died in infancy. The living arc: 
Henry A., bom Aug. 22, 1870; .Anna I -aura, born May 2'j, 1872: 
Cora A., bom May 22. 1875; Tliomas Lafavettc. born Feb. 6, 
1R78: r. H.. horn Jan. 7, 1885 ; Ella R., r)om Sept. 10, 1886; 

I'raiik .- . ..■..11 Jan. 2. 1889. 

I^ifayette D , third child of George and Elizabeth Townsend, 
was lK>rn Dec. 27, 1852. Was married by Rev. Geo. W. Greene 
to Miss Mary U. Buchler. Sept. 9. 1875. Both are mcmber.s of 
the M. Iv church. He is a farmer and caqjentcr and lives on the 
rild homestead at Blue Lirk. and owns a share of the famous 



-48- 

Blue Lick Springs. He says : "We are happy here, and never 
expect to make a change." They have eleven children : Nora E., 
born June 30, 1876; Annie B., born Jan. 13, 1878; Lelah B., born 
April 18, 1880; Paul V., born Feb. 7, 1882; James E., born Nov. 

5, 1883; Charles Beecher, born July 4, 1886; Lucy F., born Dec. 
8, 1889; Herman R., born Sept. 6, 1890; Ruth J., born June 28, 
1892 ; Elmer L., born May 18, 1895 ; Hazel M., born Nov. 7, 1897. 
The four oldest are members of the M. E. church. 

George D., fourth child of George and Elizabeth Townsend, 
was born Nov. 20, 1854; died June 2, 1864. 

Charles Beecher, fifth child of George and Elizabeth Town- 
send, was born March 17, 1857; died May 24, 1858. 

Addie, sixth child of George and Elizabeth Townsend, was 
born Aug. 30, 1859. Was married to James F. Whitesides, Sept, 
14, 1876. He is a school teacher. They belong to the M. E. 
church, and reside near Memphis, Ind. They have nine chil- 
dren, viz: Nora A., born Jan. 29, 1879; Kate E., born Aug. 20, 
1880; Goldie L., born April 7, 1884; Homer T., born Aug. 12, 
1886; Peari L, born July 12, 1888; Mabel E., born Aug. 14, 1891 ; 
James O., born Feb. 9, 1894; Mary Addie, born March 28, 1897; 
an infant ; died. 

Ella Elizabeth, seventh child of George and Elizabeth Town- 
send, was born Sept. 2, 1861. Was married to Edwin O. Greene, 
a farmer of Blue Lick, May 3, 1888. They have three children : 
Florence C, bom in Cleveland, O., May 14, 1891 ; Bernice E., 
born Aug. 15, 1893; Amos Townsend, born Sept. 11, 1898. 

Lillie Alice, eighth child of George and Elizabeth Townsend, 
was born Nov. 24, 1863. Was married to James M. Hawes, Sept. 

6, 1882. They have four children: Bessie Beatrice, born April 
12, 1883; Edith Nathan, born Aug. 11, 1884; Blanche Town- 
send, born Sept. 26, 1885; Myrtle Foster, born Aug. 21, 1887. 
This family resides in Jeffersonville, Ind. 

Laura Pink, ninth child of George and Elizabeth Townsend, 
was born Feb. 23, 1867. Is a member of the Christian church 
and was married Juh :^ 2888, to Dr. Marcellus Mayfield, a physi- 
cian of Salem, Ind. lYiey have three children : Clyde Townsend 
born March 17, 1890; Hollis Earl, born Feb. 13, 1893; Lecta 
Geneva, born Feb. 13, 1895. 



— 49 — 

Daisy Forest, tenth child of Georg-c and Elizabeth Townscnd, 
^^-as bom June 19. 1870. Was married to Alvin Greene, a fanner 
and carpenter of Memphis, Ind., Feb. 12. iSi>j. They have no 
children. 

Eleanor Jane, sixth child of Thomas and Flizabeth Hart, was 
born in I'lount County. Fast Temiessce. l\b. 24. \Hjj. Was con- 
verted and united with New Providence Church, and was mar- 
ried Oct. 27. 1853, to Robert Jones, a prosperous farmer of Hope 
Township. Bartholomew County, Indiana. He was a member of 
llie Baptist church ancl his wife joined the church with him. They 
had five children.: IVanklin. Joanna V., Ada A., Clara and Ruth. 

Franklin was l)om July 3. 1855. Was married to Miss Cas- 
sandra J. Moore. I'eb. 8. i87(>. Tluy are members of the B.iiv 
list church an<l reside in Indianap<)lis. Tliey have tw<5 children; 
Robert Ralph, born 5^pt. 22. 1880; Wiimie E.. lx)rn Oct. 5. 1882. 

Joanna l'. Jones was born June 22. 1858. Was married to 
Lewis !•". Carmichael. Jan. 16, 1875. He is a farmer of Hope 
Township. They are members of the Baptist church, and have 
four children: Kate, born Sept. 24, 1878: Harry Hart, luirn Dec. 
16, 1881 ; Shirley Jones, born April 3, iS^jo; Robert Fred, bom 
March 12, 1894. 

Ada A., third child «>i l\<>iu:i and Jatie Jtmcs (<late of birth 
not reported), was married to Edward Weisner. of Hope, Ind. 
They have jnc son. Louis Weisner. They live at Shelbyvillc, 
Indiana. 

Clara, fourth child of Robert and Jane Jones, married Edward 
McCoy, of Columbus, Ind. They have five children, viz: Robert, 
Eleanor, .\da, Mark Hart and an infant. She is a member of the 
liaptist church. Tliey now resi«lc in Chicaj^xj, 111. 

Ruth, fifth child of Robert and Jane Jones, resides with her 
sister, Mrs. .McCoy, in Chicago. 

Mr. Rf)bcrt Jones died at his home in Hope Township. 

'879. His wife Eleanor Jane Jones, diecl in the .same 

house. They were buried in the Hope burying grounds. 

Benjamin Franklin, seventh child and only son. of Tliomas .ind 
Elizabeth Hart, was bom Oct. 9. 1828; died June 4. 1830. aged 
twentv months. 



— 50 — 

Harriet Newel, eighth child of Thomas and Elizabeth Hart, 
was born in Blount County, East Tennessee, Sept. o.'j, 1830. Re- 
moved with her parents to Indiana in 1846. She was married by 
Rev. James Brownlee, in 185 1, to Mr. William E. McDowell, a 
farmer of Bartholomew County, Indiana. They have three sons : 
James H., born Sept. 13, 1853. He was married to Miss Eliza 
Osborn, Feb. 13, 1876. They now reside at Portis, Kan. They 
are members of the M. E. church, but have no children. John 
W., born March 28, 1857. Married Mrs. Charlotta Brown in 
July, 1882. They have one child, Bertha Harriet, bom Dec. 22, 
1884. They are members of the M. E. church. An infant son, 
lived but a few days. William E. and Harriet McDowell were 
members of Sand Hill Presbyterian Church. They and their two 
sons moved to Osborn County, Kansas, in 1879, where they still 
reside on a good farm. In their new home, finding no Presby- 
terian church, they united with the Congregational church in 
their neighborhood. Their postoffice is Portis, Osborn County, 
Kansas. 

NOTE — William Edward McDowell died of apoplexy. Sep- 
tember, 1900. 

NOTE^ — ^Justice as well as affectionate gratitude prompts me 
to make special mention of the great kindness of William E. Mc- 
Dowell to the parents of his wife, who made their home in his 
family the last few years of their lives, and both died at his home. 
He always ministered to their comforts in a manner worthy of 
an affectionate son. His love and kindness to his wife, who has 
been a great sufferer for many years, is worthy of an honorable 
hvisband. — Compiler. 

Martha L., ninth child of Thomas and Elizabeth Hart, was 
born in Blount County, East Tennessee, Feb. 27, 1833. Was mar- 
ried by Rev. N. S. Dickey, Aug. 28, 1856, to George W. Aikin, 
a school teacher of Bartholomew County. They have five chil- 
dren : Sarah F., born Sept. 11, 1857. She was married by Rev. 
Mr. Cooper to William R. Kingar, Aug. 14, 1895. They have 
no children. 

Elizabeth, born May i, i860; died in infancy. 

Homer L., born July 18, 1862. He was married by Rev. Mr. 
Lathrop to Miss Lily A. Walton, Dec. 25, 1894. They have two 
children: Mary Lovina, born Feb. 6, 1896; died in infancy. 
Esther, born Dec. i, 1898. 



— 51 — 

Jane, fourtli child of Geo. \\ . ami Martha L. Aikin. was bom 
Aug. 17. 1868. Was married by Rev. Mr. McWiintncr to Mr. 
Russell Jacksou. June 19. i8«>7. 'Hiey arc members o( the Bap- 
tist church. No children. 

Nellie, fifth child of Geo. W. and Martha Aikin. was bom Aug. 
28. 1874 ; died Jan. 1 1. 1876. 

Martha L. Hart .\ikin has been an invalid nearly all her life. 
She has borne her sufterings. met her trials and disai)i>ointn)ents 
with courage, resignation and Christian fortitude. She was a 
member of Sand Hill Tresbyterian Church. Since her marriage 
she united with the M. E. church. Their home is now in Indian- 
apolis. 

NOTE — To the remarkable niemorj' of Geo. W. Aikin the 
writer is indebted for the verification of many of the facts in 
this paper. 

Frances C, tenth child of Tliomas and Elizabeth Mart, was 
born in Blount Countv, East Tennessee. Jan. 22, 1836; died Nov. 
8. 1838. 

Frances Juliette, eleventh child of Thomas and Elizabeth Hart, 
was born in P.lount County, East Tennessee, Aug. 25. 1841. Was 
marrie<l by Rev. .V. .S. Dickey. March. 1861. to Mr. Isaac Frank- 
lin Townsend. a prosperous farmer of Clarke County, Indiana. 
ITiey are members of the Presbyterian church, earnest, consist- 
ent Christians. 'Hiey removed to Smith County. Kansas. Their 
|)ostofTicc address is Portis. f^sborn County. They have five chil- 
dren : William P... born .April 11. 1862. He was married to .Miss 
Nevada Bates, of Smith County. Kansas, .\pril 7. 188^). They 
have two children : Ralph, born Nov. 22. i8<)i. ajid an infant son. 
They arc members of the Protestant Methodist church. 

Charles Hart, second child of Isaac and Juliette Townsend, 
was l>om April 25, 1865. He wa.s marrie<l to Miss Belle Stone- 
hockcr, of Smith County. Kansas. .March 14. i88<> Thev .ire 
mcnibcrs of the Presbyterian church. They have two children: 
one died in infancy ; Waller, bom Oct. 12. i8y8. 

Stella Elizabeth, third child of Isaac and Juliette T«>wn 
was lK»rn in Clarke County, Indiana. March 28, 1867; died i"-l 
27 of the same • " 



— 52 — 

Lelah M., fourth child of Isaac and Juliette Townsend, was 
born May 8, 1869. She was married Oct. 15, 1891, to Mr. Wil- 
liam Shook. They live in Greene, la. Have one child, Harry L., 
born Feb. 16, 1894. 

George Franklin, fifth child of Isaac and Juliette Townsend, 
was born in Smith County, Kansas, May 24, 1881, being the only 
one of their children born in Kansas, to which State the parents 
emigrated in 1877. They are all successful farmers. All own the 
homes in which they live. Their postofifice address in Oakvale, 
Smith County, Kansas. 

NOTE — In addition to their large family, Thomas and Eliza- 
beth Hart took into their home a boy 18 months old, and 
brought him up as their own, though no legal steps were taken 
for his adoption. His mother, a stranger to them, entreated 
them to take him. They gave him the name of James Hart. He 
was loved and cared for as one of their own. In September, 
1856, he was married to Miss Susan Blessing, the daughter of a 
prominent farmer of Bartholomew County. She is a member of 
the M. E. church. After their marriage they located in Carroll- 
ton, Mo. They are an honorable family. He followed carpenter 
work for several years, but of late years has given his attentian 
to farming. They have seven children. The above history was 
compiled b^ Mrs. Emmaline Winchester Roth, of Indianapolis, 
Ind., granddaughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Hart. 



— 53 — 



CHAITKR IV. 

GIDEON' BLACKBURN' AND HKTTV A. (TAYLOR) 
II ART AND THEIR DESCENDANTS 

Gideon Blackhum Hart, fiftii son of Joseph and Nancy Hart, 
was bom at his father's hunie. near Maryvillc. Blount County, 
Tennessee. Oct. 29. 179H. He horo the name of Rev. Gideon 
Blackburn, a distinguished Presbyterian clergyman and friend of 
the family. For that early day he had unusually good advan- 
tages for education, his father being a teacher. At the age of 
twenty he taught school in his native county and thus earned 
n'.oney to buy a horse and outfit, with which he traveled to Illi- 
nois in the spring of 1820. His first stopi)ing place was at Pales- 
tine, on the Wabash river. Here he taught school for several 
months. Then he visited \'incennes. Ind.. and from there he went 
to Columbus. Bartholomew County, looking for a suitable loca- 
tion for his father's family. In Aug\ist. 1H21. he returned to \in- 
cennes, and from there he followed the military road laid out by 
Gen. William Henry Harrison, Governor of Northwest Territory, 
to the Ohio river, thence into Kentucky, where he met his fath- 
er's family, emigrating to Indiana, antl comlucted them to their 
future home in Bartholomew County. Here he made has homo 
until the time of his marriage. In this new and sparsely scttlc<l 
community he was considered the l>est cducate«l man in his cotm- 
ty. During the first year of his rrsi<lcnri* a vacancy (xrcurred in 
the office t)i sheriff. Mr. Hart was appoititid to till the vacancy. 
At the next election he was a can»li<latc for the office. He and 
his opponent were at a c«jm husking, where there were about 
twenty " Drmocrats an«l Whig5. It was agreed that the 
Candida' ild divide the pde of corn, choose an etjual num- 
ber of 1 . an<l whichever candidate beat in the hiiskinjf 
should receive the vote* of all the comi>any at the ensuing elec- 
tion. Mr. Hart's " ' at. hr ge.t all thrir \ id wa*. ' * 1. 
n had the ab«A'c .tiit-i-.tc from one of the :s m i>., > . 



— 54 — 

C. H.) Two years later he was re-elected. Thus he. was sheriff 
of his county for five years. Nov. 6, 1824, he was married to 
Miss Hetty Alexander Taylor, daughter of David and Nancy 
Taylor. They began housekeeping soon after in a newly built 
cabin on 80 acres of land bought from his father. One year later 
he sold this farm and bought 104 acres of land of Mr. Sanders, 
one mile northwest of his first home, since known as the Sand 
Hill farm, where they lived until the time of his death. He after- 
wards owned two other small farms joining, or nearby, the Sand 
Hill place. In 1823 he was made a Master Mason in the lodge 
at Columbus, and continued in fellowship with his lodge until 
his death. When the ofifice of school commissioner was created 
he was elected the first school commissioner of his county, and 
term after term was re-elected, each time almost unanimously, 
until the ofifice was abolished. He thus served nineteen years, 
yet he never canvassed for the ofifice. Thousands of dollars of 
school funds, almost all in silver, passed through his hands dur- 
ing these years without the loss of a penny. For two years — 
1849-1850 — he represented his county in the Legislature, and 
then declined to be a candidate for re-election. In politics he 
was a Free Soil Democrat, as were many of his party at that day. 
He was a decided anti-slavery man, having inherited anti-slav- 
ery principles from his father in his youth. He was a great ad- 
mirer of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and warmly in sympathy with 
its anti- slavery teachings. He was an ardent temperance man 
and advocated prohibition. He was the first president of the 
Bartholomew County Agricultural Society. At the time of his 
marriage his wife was a member of the Baptist church. A few 
years later, having changed her views on the subject of baptism, 
she united with the Presbyterian church. In the fall of 1828 he 
united with the same church, Rev. W. W. Woods being stated 
supply at that time. At once he took up the duty of family wor- 
ship. The first evening he read a chapter in the Bible, he and his 
wife kneeled together, but it seemed as if he could not utter a 
word, and his wife prayed. He was so distressed that he could 
not sleep that night. The next day he wrote a short prayer and 
committed it to memory, but when they kneeled together that 
evening he could not remember one word of his prayer. Again 
the wife prayed. But he persevered until he could perform his 
service with comfort and pleasure. His prayers were a great help 
and blessing to all the family, and by them are treasured as the 
most sacred remembrance of our childhood home. Soon after 
the death of his father — ^June, 1841 — he was elected an elder iti 



— 55 — 

the Presbyterian clnircli of Columbus, whicli office he held until 
the time of his death. They hatl nine children, seven of whom are 
now living (i8<>9). viz: Xancy. born Oct. ij, 18J3 ; Mary Eliza- 
beth, bom Sept. 16, 18J7; Silas, born Sept. 14. 1829, died Oct. 
4, 1834; Sarah Jane, bom Oct. i, 1S31, died April 26. 1868; Wil- 
liam Taylor, born Dec. 20, 1833; Harriet, bom Feb. 22, 1836; 
Joseph EcUvard. bom Nov. 14, 1838; Ciideon Blackburn. Jr., born 
Dec. 2. 1840; Maria Louisa, bom June 30. 1845. ihese were all 
bom in the Sand Hill home. 

^ The subject of this sketch wa^ five feet, ten inches in height, 
weighed about 160 to 165 pounds, dignified in manners, neat in 
his dress, wore a silk hat and boots, and in early manhood, in 
cold weather, he wore a drab overcoat with a belt and large dou- 
ble capes, with chain and h«x)k at the collar. He was kind and 
generous to all. but '^specially to the poor. He was the first In 
his township to own a clock, the first also to own a cider mill, 
which was marie by his brother Charley in 1842. and was operat- 
ed with a sweep and horse-power. He was universally respected 
as a man of honor and integrity. His life, both in public and pri- 
vate, was without reproach. His modest, consistent, every-day 
life as a Christian won for him the confuieiice of all who knew 
him. He was often sent for to pray with and comfort the sick 
and dying. He was a leader in everj' good and important work 
in the community— such as education, the church. Sabbath 
^ ' 1 and Bible Society ; and always a strict observer of the 
."^... ...ill day. I'or the want of go»^l teachers, he was twice called 

U{K>n to teach the Nsnnter school in his neighlK>rhood. I'p to this 
time pupils were re<juired to study out loud, and a loud school 
they made of it. At the opening o{ his first school, after answer- 
ing many objections, he was permitted, as an experiment, to 
intro<luce the system of silent study. The exiKrimeiU was a 
success. 

For nearly three years before his death he was afflicted with 
the third-day ague, which bafllcd the skill of the physicians. The 
day l>cfore his death his pastor. Rev. N. S. Dickey, visited him, 
n-- ' ' -fore taking leave «>f him asked if he had any m • he 

'■ to send to the church. After a nujment's rcl . he 

said : "Tell them to love one another." He died Feb. 22. 1854. in 
the 56th year «>f his life, and was buric-d in Sand Hill graveyard. 
His paMor prtarhcd the funrral <! ' e at the house, from 

Rev. I I IT H)'- Masons conduct- . nrrm.mii h at the 

grave. 



-56- 

The first child of Gideon B. and Hetty A. Hart was born at 
the family home, Sand Hill farm, Oct. 2^, 1825. She was given 
the name of her paternal and maternal grandmothers — Nancy. 
She attended the public school of the neighborhood with various 
teachers, two terms to her father. Early in life she learned the 
routine of domestic work of farm life. At the age of eighteen she 
united with the Presbyterian church of Columbus. Feb. 20, 1845, 
she was married to Mr. David Pence, whose father, Jacob Pence, 
emigrated from Sullivan County, Tennessee, to Bartholomew- 
County, Indiana, when David was eight years old. Mr. Pence was 
a contractor and builder. For the first four years of their mar- 
ried life they lived on a farm and then moved to Columbus. To 
them were born ten children, viz: Emma, born March 24, 1847; 
Mary, born Sept. 26, 1849. These both died of scarlet fever on 
the same day, Jan. 13, 1852. George, born March 15, 1852; 
Gideon Blackburn, born Aug. 25, 1854, died Sept. 14, 1856; Ella, 
born Feb. 16, 1857, died March 3, 1857; Lafayette, born Feb. 23, 
1857; Ada, born July 31, i860; Charles Jacob, born June 16, 
1863; William David, born Nov. 26, 1865; Edward Hart, born 
April 10, 1868. The following extract is from the Columbus Bul- 
letin, Oct. 9, 1868: 

"Died, in this city, on the 3d inst., Mr. David Pence, aged 47 
years. For many years he has been the leading mechanic of our 
town. His variety of talent and skill in execution made him 
widely known and called his services into continual requisition. 
In politics he was a Democrat. He was an active member of the 
Masonic order; constant in his attendance at the courts of the 
Lord's house on the Sabbath day. His faith in Jesus Christ as 
his Savior was clear and firm. He was buried by his brethren 
with Masonic honors. The largest concourse of citizens ever 
present at a funeral in this city or vicinity shows the high esteem 
in which he was held by all." 

George, third child of Nancy and David Pence, attended the 
schools of Columbus and graduated from the High School in 
1869. Spent one year in Wabash College. In 1871 he joined a 
corps of engineers and assisted in surveying and locating a rail- 
road in Illinois ; also the Terre Haute & Cincinnati Railroad. In 

1873 he was employed in the Treasurer's office of his county. In 

1874 he accepted the office of bookkeeper in the First National 
Bank of Columbus ; then assistant cashier, and later cashier, un- 
til 1883, when he accepted the office of treasurer of the Cincin- 
nati Cofifin Company. This he resigned in 1885 and returned to 
Columbus and became bookkeeper for the Cerealine Manufac- 



-57 — 

turing Company, in which he continued until 1892. when he 
was elected county auditor and served four years. The Cereahnc 
company haying 'rcmoyed their plant to Indianapolis, he was 
employed as general accountant of the company, where he still 
continues (1900). In his youth he was conyerted ami united wiiU 
the Presbyterian church and has led a consistent Christian lif^- 
He is an active Mason. Oct. 15. 1874. George Pence was mar- 
ried to Miss Mar^' Ella r.illings. of Columbus. To them f<Mir sons 
were bom. x-iz : Arthur Hart, born Aug. 29. 1875. died in infancy ; 
George Billings, born luly 16. 1878"; David Uwight, born Apnl 
14. 1880; Plinv Jacob, born Jan. 6, 1882. On Jan. 6, i8<;4. Mrs. 
Mary Ella Pence, a lovely Christian, a devoted wife and mother 
entered into the rest that remaineth for the people of <^.od. Two 
years later George Pence was married to Mrs. Ruse killings Orr. 
the widowed sister of his first wife. To them was bom a daugh- 
ter, Rose Ada. 

Lafayette, son of David and Xancy Pence, was born in Co- 
lumbus, Ind., Feb. 23, 1857. Took the regular course m the 
schools of Columbus and graduated from South Hanoyer Col- 
lege in the class of 1877. In his youth he united with the Pres- 
byterian church and was active in Christian Association work 
during his course in college. He studied law in the otlicc of 
Francis T. Hood, and was admitted to the bar on the day he was 
21 years old. He practiced law one year in Winfield, Kan., and 
one year in Rico, Col. Dec. 22, 1880, he was married to Miss 
Clara Vawter, a member of the Presbyterian church of I-ranklm. 
Ind In November, 1882, he was elected to the legislature .►f 
Colorado. At the close of the temi he moved his fanuly to Den- 
ver. Here he served as county attorney for two terms. In 1S81- 
82 the city of Denver was engaged in a lawsuit invohing large 
interests which could be settled only by an appeal to the L'mtetl 
States Supreme Court at Washington. This busiiu-ss was placid 
in the hands of Mr. Pence, which he presented before thai court 
and gained the case. In Xovember. iH<>2, he was elected a mem- 
ber of Congress. After serving two years in Congress he spc-nt 
two years in railroad business in New York. To I^faycttc and 
his wife Clara were born four children, viz : \awter. Aug. 27, 
1882. died in infancy; Lafayette. Jr.. NLirch 14. »H«4: n*"*-'- W. 
1895 twins, son and daughter: l)oth died in infancy. 1 he n^Mh- 
cr died the same day. On June 29. «««*. ^'r. Pence was mar- 
ried to Mrs. Kate Simmons, of Denver. They arc now (July. 
1900) living in San Francisco. Cal. 



-58- 

Ada. daughter of David and Nancv Pence, was born July 21 
i860. Graduated from the High School of Columbus, was a 
student m Oxford Colleg-e. Oxford. O.. one year, giving- special 
attention to music under the instruction of Prof. Carl Mertz. 
She was converted in early youth and at the age of twelve united 
with the Presbyterian church, and from that time to the day of 
death she was a member of tiie choir, either as singer or organ- 
ist. She had a sweet, well cultivated voice, and was a skillful per- 
former on the piano and organ. On Nov. 8, 1882, she was mar- 
ned by her pastor. Rev. Alexander Parker, to Mr. William D. 
Stansifer, a young lawyer of Columbus. She died Nov 23 1883 
leaving a daughter two weeks old. Ada Hart, who also died after 
three months. One who knew her well says : "Columbus never 
had a more noble Christian woman than Mrs. Ada Stansifer She 
literally sat at the Masters feet, always watching for an oppor- 
tumty to ser^'e Him. Her sun set in glory before the meridian " 
Charles Jacob, eighth child of David and Nancy Pence, was 
born June 12, 1863. He was converted in early youth and united 
with the Presbyterian church. Graduated from the High School 
of Columbus. Attended the law school at Ann Arbor, Mich., and 
was admitted to the bar on his t\yenty-first birthday. June 12, 
1884. He at once entered into partnership with his 'brother in 
Denver, Col., in the practice of law, Pence & Pence. They were 
successful lawyers until the senior partner went to Congress 
November, 1892. The partnership was dissolved and the junior 
went to Salt Lake City and pursued the practice of law four years 
While in Salt Lake City Mr. Pence went to Washington, D C, 
and gained an important case in the Supreme Court, for which 
he received much praise from the press and his clients When he 
and his brother returned to Denver, and Pence & Pence ao-air be- 
came partners in their profession. On the 8th day of Juire, 1887 
Charles J. Pence was married in Martinsville, Ind., to Miss MarJ 
Lena Sorg, a member of the Presbyterian church of Martins- 
S,P; They have two daughters, Mary Ada. born May 22, 1889: 
Ldith Ella, bom Sept. 27, 1890. In September, 1898." the Pence 
brothers moved to San Francisco, Cal.. and opened a law office 
Pence & Pence, where they are now (July, 1900) successful law- 
yers. 

W^illiam David, son of David and Nancy Pence, was born 
Nov_26, 1865. He was converted in early youth and united with 
tlie Presbyterian church on the day he was eleven years old 
Graduated from the High School of Columbus. In September, 
1883, he entered the State University, Champaign, 111., and grad- 



— 59 — 

uatetl in the class of 1886. with the clegjce of C. E.. havinp^ made 
civil enfrineering a special study. From 1886 to i8(>2 he was 
employed bv the Ciulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad Company 
in the' capacity of roadmaster and assistant ens^inecr and main- 
tenance of way. On Dec. 31, 1889, Wm. D. Pence was married 
to Miss Lotta Gaston, a member of the Presbyterian church of 
Columbus. Ind. Their first home was in Temple. Tex. Ilavmg 
been elected to the chair of civil engancerin.c: in his alma mater- 
Illinois State University— he removed to Chami)aig-n. III., where 
he w^as a popular and successful teacher for two years. Here he 
was elected an elder in the Presbyterian church. Having been 
elected to the chair of civil engineering- in Purdue University, 
Lafayette. In^.. he removed to Lafayette in August. 1899. where 
he is a successful teacher. They have two children, Nellie Ada, 
born Aug. 23, 1890; Hellen Lottie, born Nov. 23. i8(;2. 

Edwartl Hart Pence, tenth chiM of David and Xancy Pence, 
was born April 10. 1868. He united with the Presbyterian church 
at the age of twelve vears. Graduated from the High School of 
Columbus, and also graduated from South Hanover College in 
the class of 1889, and from McCormick Theological Seminary in 
April. 1892. Mav i. iS^jz, he began his lalx)r as stated supply of 
the Presbvterian' church of Georgetown. Col. On the 29th of 
June he was married to Miss Jessie Archer, of South Hanover, 
Ind.. who was his classmate in college. For eighteen months his 
labors in Georgetown were successful. In October, i8«^3. he ac- 
cepted a call to the church at Janesville. Wis., and was soon after 
installed as pastor. Here his labors were abundantly blessed, 
in Januarv. 1900. it was stated that during the six years just 
past -'there has been steady growth in this church. In this time 
there have averaged twelve accessions at each (piarterly com- 
munion." To them were burn three children : David William. 
July 6. 1893: Jessie Xonna. July 9. 1895; Edna Louisa, Feb. 14, 

1898. * - . r-i I 

In March. 1900. a committee from the hurt Street Church, 
Detroit. Mich., heard Mr. Pence in his i)uli)ii morning and even- 
:ng. and returned without making their business known to the 
vounir pastt^. But in less than a week he received a unai 
call to the pastorate of tlie lorl .Street t luirch, whicli he .. ».. 
ed and was installed in the following May. For further matter 
relating to E. H. Pence, sec Preachers' Chapter. 

Mary Elizabeth, the second daughter of (.tdeon H iml Hrtly 
A. Hart, was born at Sand Hill hoinr.stead. Sept. l6. 18^9. She 
received her education at the public .scIuhjI.s, partly under the in 



— 6o — 

struction of her father. She was converted and united with the 
Presbyterian church in early Hfe. At the age of twenty-one she 
taught school in Decatur County, twenty-five miles from home, 
making her home with her uncle, James Taylor. On April 17, 
185 1, she was married to Mr. Robert Braden, a prominent farmer 
and live stock dealer of Decatur County, Indiana. Four children 
were born of this union, viz : Frank Hart, March 7, 1852 ; Emma 
Louisa, Nov. 9, 1853; Anna Elizabeth, June 10, 1856; Edith 
Roberta, Oct. 10, 1 861. In May, 1861, Robert Braden ofifered his 
services to his country in the civil war then in progress, and was 
rnade First Lieutenant in Company D, Seventh Regiment of In- 
diana Volunteers. After one year's service in the army of the Po- 
tomac he returned to Indiana and raised a regiment to repel the 
famous John Morgan raids, and was commissioned its Colonel 
by Governor Morton, but was killed Aug. 24, 1862, in the first 
engagement, near Henderson, Ky. Thus Mrs. Braden was left a 
widow with a family of children to raise, and all the cares of busi- 
ness which her husband left her. How well she accomplished this 
task may best be told by pointing to the positions of honor and 
respectability occupied by those children, all of whom have 
growii to years of maturity, and all but one are now (June. 1900) 
residing in St. Louis, Mo., where she makes her home with them. 
True to the faith of her fathers, Mrs. Braden has since her early 
youth been a devoted member of the Presbyterian church and 
has had the pleasure of seeing the names of all her children en- 
rolled in its list of members. 

Frank Hart Braden received his early education in the public 
schools of Greensburg, Ind. At the age of seventeen commenced 
thestudy of law in the office of Judge Henry Hayden in Breck- 
enridge. Mo. Finished his course of study in the office of Hon. 
George R. Gardner, and was admitted to practice in October, 
1872. Was elected prosecuting attorney of Caldwell County, 
Missouri, in 1882, and served two years. Was elected member of 
the Legislature for Caldwell County in 1884 and served two 
years. Moved to Kansas City, Mo., in 1887, and to St. Louis in 
1889, where for several years he filled the office of assistant 
prosecuting attorney. He has practiced law continuously since 
1872. In 1886 he received the third degree of Masonry in the 
lodge at Breckenridge. April 10, 1877, he was married to Miss 
Mary Elizabeth Stagner. Four children were born of this mar- 
riage : Robert S., born Jan. 27, 1878; Lytle H., Dec. 5, 1879; 
Walter A., May 3, 1881, died in infancy; Lotta A.. July 15, 1889. 



— 6i — 

Anna Elizabeth Bradcn was married Jan. 19, 1885. to Mr. 
Sjiencer Tompkins, a pr<.>mincnt attorney of the Illinois !)ar, and 
for several years active in the politics of that State. They have 
three children: Edith Mabel, born Dec. 23. 1885; Hazel Louisa, 
born Aug. 16. 1887; Ethel Mary, boni June 10, i8H<>. The fam- 
ily resides in St. Louis, Mo. The children are in the city schools. 
Mr. Tompkins is cngaj^ed in the practice of his profession. lb* 
is especially skillful as an abstractor of titles of real estate. 

Edith Roberta Braden was married January. 1886, to Mr. 
George E. Quimby. a real estate broker of Boston, Mass., where 
he belonjjs to an old and prominent family, iind where they still 
reside. They have three children : Bessie Louisa, born Nov. 29, 
1886: Ada Bemice. born Jan. 30, 1888; Charles Norman, born 
Jan. 5. 1890; 

Emma Louisa Braden was trained to dressmaking and Mr 
several years carried on a large dressmaking business in Kansas 
City, Mo. In 1892 she moved to St. Louis and makes her home 
with her sister. Mrs. Tompkins, and is employed in the millinery 
department of the Grand-Leader store. 

Sarah Jane, fourth child of Gideon li. and Hetty A. Hart, was 
bom on Saml Hill farm, Oct. i, 1831. She received the name of 
two of her maternal aunts, Sarah and Jane Taylor. Her educa- 
tion was such as could be obtained in the public schools of the 
neighborhood. She was converted in early life and united with 
the Presbyterian church of Columbus. At twenty years of age she 
was married to Mr. Newton S. Jones, an enterprising farmer. 
To them were boni seven children, viz : Laura Alice. Sept. 22, 
1R52; Gideon Blackburn. Dec. 6. 1853, die<l .\ug. 5. 1854; Mary 
Kate. .\ug. 9. 1855; Hattie Eva, Feb. 18, 1857; Miranda. March 
8, i860; Emma, April 28, 1862; Kovilla, March 29, i8()4. Sarali 
Jane was a noble example of a Christian wife and mother. In 
her marriage she became surroim<lcd by those of another de- 
nomination. She was always loyal to her o\vi\ church, and in 
this her noble and faithful husband wxs a worthy help. She chcd 
May 25, 1868. in the thirty-seventh year of her age. Her pastor. 
Rev. N. S. Dickey, conducted the fimcral srr\ice. after which she 
was buried in I'lat l^ock cemetery. .After the death of the mother 
the care of the family fell upon Laura .Mice, the eldest daugh- 
ter, who had remarkable patience, skill and tact Uyr a girl of 16, 
and became mother and sister to the other chiMrcn. On Oct. 16, 
1R73, Hattie Eva Jones flied, at the agr of sixtrni. of pncmnonia. 
Slu- seenud to be the stoutest of the family. fon«l of outdoor ex- 
ercise, so much so that she was often called her father's boy. 



— 63 — 

During the summer of 1874 the community was scourged with 
flux. Many died. Two of this family suffered, Miranda nigh 
unto death, and on August 20, Laura, the stay of the family, 
died of this scourge. In December, 1875, Mary Kate Jones was 
attacked with smallpox. She was immediately quarantined at her 
uncle's, where others had the disease, where she died Decem- 
ber 31, and in the darkness of the night, as the new year was 
being ushered in, her body was laid to rest by the side of those 
who had preceded her to the better land. She was highly ac- 
complished in music and taught the art to many pupils in the 
community. She attended the High School in Columbus, but 
her health did not permit her to graduate. She and her older 
sister were members of the Christian church at New Hope. 

Miranda Jones completed her common school education and 
what was equal to two years' work in the High School, and 
then, at the age of seventeen, she obtained a license to teach in 
the public schools of the county. She taught nearly three years in 
the primary department of her home school. On the twentieth 
anniversary of her birth, March 8, 1880, she was married to Mr. 
Elijah S. Carter. The same day they commenced life together 
on a farm four miles southwest of Edinburg, Ind., where they 
still continue to reside (1900). At the age of eighteen she united 
with the New Hope Christian Church. After her marriage her 
church relationship, and also that of her husband, was transferred 
to the Kansas M. E. church. Her training in the public school 
prepared her for active work in the Sabbath School, in which 
she became a primary teacher worthy of the name. The County 
Sunday School Association, at three annual conventions, se- 
cured her to present a model recitation before the convention. 
To these parents were born two sons : Ralph Emerson, Feb. 5, 
1881 ; Carl Jones, Aug. 12, 1883. Ralph graduated from the 
common schools and also from the Edinburg High School. At 
the age of twelve he united with the M. E. church, and during the 
same year he won the first prize in the county oratorical con- 
test, after having won first place in the township contest. Six 
days after the President issued his call for volunteers in the 
Spanish-American war he signed the enlistment roll at Edin- 
burg, and passed the medical examination. 

Carl Jones Carter united with the M. E. church at the age of 
thirteen. At fourteen he graduated from the common schools, 
having carried off the honors of the county in scholarship, and 
first place in a recital contest in the home school. He entered 
the Edinburg High School in September, 1897. 



-63- 

Emma, sixth child of X. S. ami Sarah Jam- Jones, ohiaincii a 
common school education, and also took advanced siudici. in 
the home school. On Sept. 20. 1882, she was married to Mr. J. 
E. Burnett, of Columbus. To them were born two children : 
Lila. Aui;. 7, 1883; Xell. I'eb. 7, 1888. Ennna united with the 
New Hope Christian Church, and is now a member t>f tliat 
church in Columbus. Mr. iiurnelt is a traveling salesman. They 
have lived in St. Louis, Mo., and Dcs Moines, la. Their home 
is now ( 19001 in Columbus, Ind. 

Kovilla. the young^est of the family of Newton S. and Sarah 
Jane Jones, grew to womanhootl with the same advantaj^es of 
education that the other daughters had. M the age of twenty- 
two she united with tiie New Hope Christian Church. On Feb. 
14. 1^)4. she was married to -Mr. Edward Chambers, an active 
young farmer near her father's home. They now (lyoo) resiile on 
a farm two miles southeast of Nineveh, Johnscjn Countv, Indiana. 

NOTE— The histor>' of Rev. William Taylor Hart,' fifth chUd 
of G. n. and H. A. Hart, will appear in the rreachers' Chapter. — 
C. C. H. 

Harriet, fifth child of Gideon B. and Hetty A. Hart, was boni 
at the Sand Hill homestead, Feb. 21, 1836. She received her 
early education in the schools of the neighborhood, was con- 
verted early in life and united with the Presbyterian church of 
Columbus, of which her father was an elder. In 1853 she was 
married to Mr. George M. Trotter, a teacher of Ho{k\ I'arthol- 
omew County. When President Lincoln called for 75,000 troops 
Mr. Trotter enlisted in Company B, Sixth In<liana \'(>lunteers. 
commanded by Augustus Abbett. of Columbus, Ind. After 
three months' service as noncc^mmissioned officer he was lu>n- 
orably discharged and returned home. In August, iS<>2, he 
raised a company for the .... Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, of 
which Governor ( ). P. Morton commissioned him (':•■••• in 
which he ser\'ed until May 20, 1865, when he was pr-- to 

Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment, and held that rank until he 
was finally discharged, June 8. 1865. One of his campaigns was 
with Gen. .^hennan :n his march to the sea. In the fall <■•' ■^'' ' 
Mr. Trotter and his family moved to Brcckenhdge. ( .1 
County, Missouri. He bought a farm three miles from Brcckcn- 
ridge, where he is one of the leading f;irmrr» of his touiittliip. 
\\v i< a Masf>n and has lieen ever since In- 
old. He anrl his wife arc members fit tic- < 
of I'reckenriflge. To them were h<)rn ; 
Franklin, Minnie, Harriet D.. George A. and Josephine, who 



-64- 

died at sixteen months. Charles F. united with the Congrega- 
tional church in his youth. Graduated from Kidder College in the 
class of 1887 and soon after was elected professor of the High 
School in Leonard, Tex. On Thanksgiving day, 1898. he was 
married at Water Valley, Miss, to Miss Hattie V. Fewell. She 
is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is a member of 
the order of the Knights of Pythias. They have one daughter, 
Naomi Edwinnie. Early in 1899 Charles F. Trotter was ap- 
pointed by the government superintendent of the Tuskahoma 
Female Institute Lyceum, Indian Territory. Their home is at 
the Lyceum, Tuskahoma. 

Minnie Trotter is a member of the Presbyterian church. Grad- 
uated from Kidder Colleg^e in the class of 1887. She was mar- 
ried June 26, 1890, to Mr. Leslie R. Thwing, a farmer. They 
live near Hamilton, Mo. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
church. They have three children : Bessie Merriett, born April 
26, 1891 ; Eleanor Pearl, born April, 1897; Charles Franklin, 
Feb. 15, 1900. 

Hattie D. Trotter is a member of the Congregational church. 
Graduated from Kidder College in the class of 1891. She was 
married to Mr. Nathaniel Reynolds, a telegraph operator, in 
charge of Lexington station, Henry, Ray County, Missouri. He 
is a member of the Congregational church. 

George Albert Trotter is a student in Kidder College and 
will graduate in the class of 1900. He is a member of the Con- 
gregational church of Kidder, and a member of Odd Fellows 
Lodge in Breckenridge. 

Joseph Edward, seventh child of Gideon B. and Hetty A. Hart, 
was born in Bartholomew County, Indiana, Nov. 15, 1838. Re- 
ceived such education as was obtainable in the common schools 
of that period, and when the war of the rebellion began was at- 
tending school at Milford, Ind., preparing to enter college. Left 
school April 15, 1861, and enlisted in Company B, Sixth Indiana 
Infantry, at Columbus, for three months. Participated in the 
West Virginia campaign and was discharged Aug. 2, 1861, re-en- 
listing on the same day, in Company D, Seventh Indiana In- 
fantry. The regiment was sent to Western Virginia and was 
eng-aged at Greenbrier in one month from the date of organiza- 
tion. Was attached to Lander's, afterwards Shield's division, in 
the Shenandoah Valley, and participated in the battles of Win- 
chester and Port Republic. During the winter's campaign he 
contracted a severe cold, which necessitated his discharge, June 
28, 1862, on surgeon's certificate of disability, for "disease of 



} 



-65- 

throat aiul lungs." Retumingf home, he remained a private citi- 
zen until July 15, 1S62. when, in connection with his brother-in- 
law, Georg^e M. Trotter, and his brother, (iiileun H. Hart, be- 
gan enlisting a company for the service, which went into camp 
at Indianapolis, August 10. The regiment was organizetl August 
16, and this company became Company H, with Geo. M. Trotter 
as Captain an*l Jos. li. Hart I'irst Licutc-iiant. Left the State 
August 19 and was engaged in the disastrous battle of Rich- 
mond. Ky., August 30. The regiment sufTered very severely in 
killed and wounded and was comiK'Ued to surrender. Being pa- 
roled in a few days, returned home and on exchange in Novem- 
ber following, the regiment went to Memphis, Tcnn.. arid par- 
ticipated in the campaign of that winter, preparatory' to the in- 
vestment of \'icksburg. Joined the force in the rear of \'icks- 
burg in June, 1863. and w:is, inmiediately after the surrender, 
attached to Shermaiis command and t^Kjk part in tlu- move- 
ment against Johnson at Jackson, Miss., and in the fighting 
wliich resulted in the capture of that city. In September the 
division was brought to Memphis and marched to Chattanoo- 
ga, participating in the battle of Missionary Ridge, in which the 
subject of this sketch was wounded. Owing to the pmgress of 
disabilities incurred the previous year, he was compelled to 
again leave the army, and resigned February 15, 1864. and re- 
turned to his home at the "Sand Hill." Was married August 
3, iSCtj, at Milford. Ind., to lulith, daughter of James and Sarah 
Mandlove. The children bom of this marriage were Joseph lZt\- 
ward. Jr., born July 8, 1863. and died Marcli 1, 1880; Stella, 
born .August 12, 1865; Florence Fmma, bom I'eb. 4, 1868, and 
died March 22, i86r^; Edith, born Oct. U). i86«;: Hetty, born 
July 19, 1872, and die<l Sept. 11, 1878; James Williani and 
Charles, born Jan. 17, 1875; and Louise CiofT, bom Feb. 24. 1885. 
After the war he removed to Hreckenridgc, Mo., and remained 
there until 1869. Aftcr\vards l(x:atefl at New Martinsville, W. 
V'a., where he remained until 1890, being engaged for a num- 
ber of years during that pericj<l as e«lit«jr and j)roprictor <if a 
newspajHrr. In ( )ctober. iHt/o. was appoiiued to a clerkNhip 
in the Pension Bureau at WashingicMi. D. C. the family rcnuiv- 
ing to that city in April. i8«;i. He became a memt>cr of the 
Sand Hill I'resbyterian Church in 1853. and is at this writing 
(ift/;) a member of the Metroixilitan Presbyterian Church «>( 
Washington. I). C His wife, his son. Dr. J. Win. Hart, and 
daughter Stella are also meml>cr« of the Pre*byterian church, 



— 66- 

while his daughter Edith is a member of the Protestant Episco- 
pal church. 

Dr. James William Hart, son of J. E. and Edith Hart, was 
married to Miss Grace Duncan, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Jan. 
25, 1899. To them a son, Charles Edward, was born Jan. 17, 
1900. 

Gideon Blackburn Hart, Jr., was born Dec. 2, 1840, at the 
Sand Hill homestead. He was the fourth son in the family. He 
received his education in the public schools. In his youth he 
united with the Presbyterian Church of Columbus. In 1862 he 
enlisted in the Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry in Company 
H. He was, successively, Orderly Sergeant, First Lieutenant, 
and discharged in June, 1865, with the rank of Captain. In Au- 
gust, 1865, he went to Breckenridge, Mo., where he engaged in 
the hardware business and afterwards in farming, feeding and 
shipping live stock. In 1893, after a hotly contested primary 
election, he was appointed by President Cleveland postmaster 
of Breckenridge, which office he held for four years. He is a 
Mason and Knight Templar. On Oct. 30, 1866, he was married 

to Miss EHza O , in Breckenridge. To them were born 

five children: Charles E., who died in early infancy; Walter O., 
Lucy D. and Maria Taylor. This family are all identified with 
the Presbyterian church. 

Charles E. Hart was born Feb. 28, 1869, at Breckenridge, Mo. 
He received his education at the High School in Breckenridge. 
On April 16, 1899, he was married in Kansas City, Mo., to Anna 
Thomas, of Caldwell County. He is now and has been for sev- 
eral years living in Muscogee, Ind. Ter., in the employ of the 
Patterson Mill Company as a salesman in their general store. 
They have one child, a daughter, born in February, 1900. He is 
a Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias. 

Walter O. Hart was born on a farm near Breckenridge, 
March 8, 1871. He graduated from the Breckenridge High 
School in 1888. Went to Annapolis in the spring of 1888, as 
the result of a competitive examination in his congressional dis- 
trict, but failed to enter the Naval Academy because of defec- 
tive vision. Has been in the employ of the savings bank for 
the last ten years, as bookkeeper at first, and the last four years 
as cashier. In June, 1896, he was married to Miss Lulu Murphy, 
of Breckenridge. They have two children : Mary Virginia, born 
Oct. 20, 1897; Florence, born Nov. 31, 1899. He and his wife 



-67- 

are members of the Presbyterian church, of which he is also a 
rulinij elder. He is a Mason and has served as master of his 
lodge. 

Lucy D. Hart was born June 21, 1879. at lircckenridj^e. She 
graduated from the Urcckenridj^e Hij^h ScIuhjI in 189O. She 
is an active member of the Presbyterian church. 

Maria T. Hart was boni May 8. 1883, in lireckenridge. She is 
a student in the IJreckenridge High School and has already 
gained considerable local reputation as a writer. 

Maria Louisa, ninth child of Gideon B. and Hetty A. Hart, 
was born July 30, 1845, at Sand Hill farm. She received her 
education in the public schools. In 1865 she accompanied her 
mother and other members of the family to Breckenridge, Mo., 
where on July 16. 1867. she was married to Mr. J<jscph D. 
Thompson, of lireckenridge. Mr. Thompson was brought up 
on a farm in Ray County. Missouri. In early life he was em- 
ployed by a relative in a store in Breckcnridge. In a few years 
he purchased the store, and for thirty years he carried on a gen- 
eral mercantile business. He is also the owner of one or more 
good farms near Breckenridge. They own a beaiuiful residence 
and other property in Breckenriilge. In i8<>8 Mr. Thompson 
sold his store and closed that brancli of his business, and has 
since l)een engagcfl in banking. He and his wife are members 
of the M. \i. Church. South. an<l are faithful attendants at the 
Sabbath School and the midweek prayer meeting. He is also 
a Mason. 

Elizabeth Hart, the only daughter of Joseph Hart, and whose 
mother's name was Nancy (Shanklin) Hart, was born in the 
family home, three miles northeast of Maryvillc. I'd«)unt County, 
luist Tennessee. Jan. II. 1802. She had the usual advantages of 
education of her day, but being the only daughter in a large 
family, a large share of domestic labor fell to her lot. When 
but five years of age her mother died. Two years later, to lu-r 
delight and comfort, the father married a second time. I'ndrr 
the guidance and training of the stepmother, Elizabeth grew up 
to womanhooil, and seldom have stepmother and ;cr 

hern morr grnial and kind to each other. I'ndrr tli. .»{ 

Dt. Andrrson she was converted at an early age and ui; iih 

New Providence Church. At about twenty years of age she wa* 
married under rather romantic circumstances. She was engaged 
to Mr. William Trotter, a young farmer and "singing school mas- 
ter" of the ncighl>orho<^l. li^rly in the autunuj of i8ji her 



— 68 — 

father started to emigrate to Indiana. Mr. Trotter was to go to 
Indiana in the spring of 1822, be married and there make their 
future home. But about sunrise the next morning after the 
family started on their journey, Wihiam Trotter and his brother 
Isaac came to the camp and proposed to have Elizabeth return 
to MaryviUe and be married that day, to which all agreed. The 
Trotter brothers, Elizabeth and her brother Silas, all on horse- 
back, returned to the house of Dr. Anderson, and by him Wil- 
liam Trotter and Elizabeth Hart were married. They settled on 
a farm near Maryville. William Trotter was of Scotch descent, 
a native of Virginia. His father, Richard Trotter, was a soldier 
in the American Revolution, and emigrated from Virginia to 
Jefferson County, Tennessee, about the year 1800, when William 
was eight years old. Later on the family moved to Blount Coun- 
ty. There William was converted at an early age and united 
with New Providence Church. He had a good voice and some 
training in vocal music. Frequently taught singing school, and 
for many years led the singing in the church. He enlisted in the 
war of 1812-15. Was in Gen. Coffee's mounted battalion, in the 
Southern division of the army under Gen. Jackson. Late in the 
war his battalion was detailed for special duty at Baton Rouge, 
La., from which place they were ordered to make a forced march 
to New Orleans, which they accomplished in two days and 
nights, reaching New Orleans at noon on the memorable 8th of 
January, 181 5. After his discharge from military service he re- 
turned to Tennessee. After their marriage, as noted above, they 
lived on their farm in Blount County twelve years, when the fam- 
ily moved to Bartholomew County, Indiana, in the spring of 1833. 
In February, 1836, they moved to Washington County, and in 
the spring of 1839 they moved to Blue Lick, Clarke County, In- 
diana. There they bought a farm of 120 acres, where they spent 
the remainder of their days. Mr. Trotter was a tall, straight man 
of military bearing. He had deep, positive religious convictions, 
a clear knowledge of God's word and was a strict observer of 
the Sabbath. He was invited to superintend the Sunday school 
in the Protestant M. E. church, three miles from his home. He 
declined, saying he wanted a Sunday School where his own chil- 
dren and immediate neighbors could attend. He organized a 
school in the school house of his district, which was largely at- 
tended, summ.er and winter, for many years. He frequently had 
preaching by the pastor of the church in Charlestown, nine 
miles distant, to which he and his wife had attached themselves 



-69- 

soon after cuniing to Blue Lick. In a short time the Presbyte- 
rians of the coinnuinity and a few others were or^nizcd into a 
branch of the church in Charlestown. Mr. Trotter was • ' n 

elder. This organization gave great joy to liini and ! ic. 

They had stated preaching for several years and a well-organ- 
ized Sabbath School ; but the elder's health failc<I, and in March, 
1870. he died, aged seventy-eight. 

NOTE — Though living 350 miles distant. I visited my sister 
once in two years, during her widowhood, and u- " ' • d 

at her house. My last visit was when she was n- •• s ■ .• rs 

of age. Her sight was clear, her hearing g Six months 

before that, while going to meeting on horseback, her favorite 
mode of travel, her horse became restless and threw her over 
his head. Though badly bruised, no bones were broken. She 
had never been sick so as to need a physician. She and I talked 
until midnight. Among other things, she said : "I shall never be 
able to go to meeting again, and we have no preacher now. 
When I die will you come and i)reach my funeral sermon?" I 
told her I would if I was ntjtified in time. She died April 4. 1883, 
at the age of eighty-one. She was buried by the side of her hus- 
band. To my great sorrow. I did not receive notice of her death 
until a week after her burial. — C. C. H. 

She was small of stature, her mind was well stored with a 
knov ' ' of God's word, her liible was her daily companion. 
She ^; .... enjoyed the preaching of the gospel, and often en- 
tertainer! the preachers. William Trotter and his wife were the 
parents of eight children. ' 

Nancy Ann, bom in Blount County. Tennessee, June. 23, 
1823. She became a member of the I'resbyterian church in early 
life. She was married to Mr. William Baughn. a c. r. 

They had ouv son, who dic«l in infancy Tl" Mi,.tli.r , ty 

10. 1853. aged 30 years. 



Isaac Campbell, born Jum- iH. 18.^5 ; died N' 



I r iV^if 



Joseph .Mliert, born July 31, iHjK lie it.. »- 

ter's trade and afterwards became " 'v,. f i l- 

wright. I'or many years he was < .: the intide 

and putting the machinery in mills ami lactones. In ihit work 

he labored in ^ Ohio an«l We-*! \'r Mr i* ■ 

rr ' - •' *' •• !i, .1 Sir Knight .' and un- 

II IS, Ind. 



— 70 — 

Martha Elizabeth, born Aug. 21, 1830; died May 26, 1837. 

Eliza Jane, born Sept. 13, 1832; died June 16, 1852. She was 
a member of the Presbyterian church. 

William Harvey, born Oct. 20, 1834; died Aug. 26, 1851. 

John Richard, born May 11, 1838; died June 27, 1839. 

Eleanor Serena, born March 4, 1841. She was married to Mr. 
James A. Townsend, a farmer, Dec. 24, 1865. They have three 
sons: Albert Trotter, born April 7, 1867. He is a teacher and 
Charles Hart, born Feb. i, 1873, ^ farmer. These brothers are 
unmarried (1900). Post office. Blue Lick, Clarke County, Ind- 
iana. 

James A. Townsend, Sr., died at Blue Lick, Ind., about the 
year 1883. 



- /• 



CHAPTER \'. 

JOSEPH, JR., SILAS. ELIZABETH. SAMUEL AND 

JAMES HARVEY. 

Joseph Hart. Jr.. third son of Joseph and Nancy Hart, was 
born in Fort McTeer. Blount County. Tennessee, in 1793- His 
earlv (.ducalion was hniited to the schools of the nciKlihorhood. 
He iearncd the trade of tanner and currier. He was married, but 
to whom the writer cannot learn, as the court house records were 
destroyed bv fire. They had no children. For fifteen vrars he- 
made iiis home and carried on a tannery in Columbia. Maury 
Countv Tennesse. where he died in 1833, aped forty years. 

Silas Hart, fourth son of Joseph and Nancy Hart, was born at 
the home of his parents in Blount County. F^st Tennessee, in 
1796. He received such education as the communjty atU)rded 
and iearnerl the cari)enter's trade, in September. iSji. he ac- 
companied the family to Bartholomew County. Indiana, where 
he assisted in erecting a cabin and cleanup groun.l for tlie next 
year's crop. In the spring of 1822 he returned to Blount ( oun- 
tv where he was marrie<l to Miss Susan Strain. They had one 
son. Silas Hart. Jr. After the birth of the son the father .lied. 
The widow and her son accompanied her father. Mr. Kolnrrt 
Strain, to Alabama. In his young manhood Silas Han. Jr.. went 
to Carrollton. Miss.. an<l was employed in the store of his uncle. 
Samuel Hart. In 184*^ he went to California. Since ihcn hi» 
friends have lost sight of him. 

Samuel, second son of Joseph ami Mary Hart, was bom ai mc 
homestead, three miles northeast of Maryvillc. I enn t-'. i;. 
l8n The family emigrated to I'.arthojomcw County. I . m 

the autumn (.f .82 1. Here .^amuel attended such schooU a» the 
neighborhood aflfc^rdcd. The mother having died, the fniher m 
May 1828, took Samuel to Columbia. Trnn.. t. - V with h'.- 
brollur. Joseph Hart. Jr. Here he attende.j one >..: 

an' - 'V then cmploycl in a store where he Rained nomc knowl- 



-72 — 

edge of mercantile business. At eighteen he was employed as 
deputy postmaster, which duties he performed with great satis- 
faction to the community. At twenty he was sent by some capital- 
ists to Columbus, Miss., to attend the sale of lands which the 
government had obtained by treaty from the Indians before they 
were transferred to their territory in the West. This business was 
performed to the entire satisfaction of his employers. And so 
well was he pleased with what he learned of the new territory 
that in the fall of 1833 he went to Carrollton, Miss., and located' 
as a general merchant. These three journeys between Tennessee 
and Mississippi were made on horseback, alone, most of the way 
through a wilderness country and almost without roads. 

About the year 1835 the Legislature of Mississippi repudiated 
the public debts of the state. In consequence of this act Mr. 
Hart became a bankrupt and took the benefit of the United 
States bankrupt law, gave up what goods and other property he 
held and went out of business. After all was disposed of, the 
claims unpaid amounted to several hundred dollars at home and 
$10,000 to a wholesale merchant in New York. A vacancy hav- 
ing occurred in the ofifice of Probate Clerk, the most remunera- 
tive office in the county, Mr, Hart was appointed to fill the va- 
cancy. And so well did he do this work that the people elected 
him for six successive terms. Thirteen years in this office — and 
at the same time, as he was a good business man and a ready 
writer, he did much work for the State^ — enabled him to accumu- 
late, above his current expenses, about $13,000. Though all 
former debts were legally cancelled, yet he felt that he was 
morally bound for them, should he ever be able to pay them. 
Hence he first paid in full his home obligations. In August, 1848, 
he paid his New York merchant $10,000 in gold, and then, with 
a clean record, he again went into general mercantile business, 
and soon became the most popular and successful merchant in 
his county. 

June 18, 1842, he was married to Miss Amanda Ayres, of Elk- 
ton, Ky., who was visiting her brother, Treadwell Ayres, a law- 
yer of Carrollton. To them were born eleven children, viz : Em- 
ma Stansberry, April 26, 1843 ! Mary Elizabeth, Feb. 4, 1845 ; 

a daughter, unnamed, died in infancy; William Harrison, Aug. 
21, 1847; Laura Amanda, Oct. 11, 1849; died July 18, 1862, aged 
13 years; Charles Harvey, Feb. 8, 1852, died in Texas, Nov. 19, 
1888, aged 36 years; Samuel, Jr., Jan. 9, 1855; Washington 



-73 — 

Stansberry. Nov. 19. 1856. died Sept. 27. 1857; Minnie Ella. Oct. 
3, 1858: Isaac .\yros. May 3, 1861, died .\pril 10. 18*^3. aged 32 
years; Clarence. Aii^. 17. i8<»4. died ."^ept. 7. 18^)5. 

In October, 1842. Samuel Hart and .\inanda, his wife, were 
converted under the preaching of Rev. James Gallagher, then 
laboring as an evangelist in CarroUton. Tliey united with the 
Presl^ytcrian church. He was soon after elected a ruling older 
and Clerk of the Session, in which he served until the time of his 
death. His Christian life was very simple and practical in its 
character. After his conversion he at once established the fani- 
ilv altar, which was ever after faithfullv maintained. He literallv 
lived the "Golden Rule, " which was manifest in the fanuly, in his 
])usiness and. indeed, everywhere. Like one of old. he could 
say: "For to me to live is Christ." He was a diligent stu«Icnt 
of the Bible, and always at the midweek prayer meeting. A care- 
ful observer of the Sabbath, he neither nia<le nor recciv ' -al 
visits on the Lord's day. I'or forty years he supcrinti ; iie 

Sabbath School, and also conducted a Bible class Sabbath after- 
noon for adults who could not attend the Sabbath School in the 
morning. He was a Royal .\rch Mason. an<l often served as 
master of his lodge, and also as high j)riest of his chapter. 

At the beginning of the civil war he was worth $50,000. Much 
of this, however, consisted of claims on citizens of Carroll and 
surrounding counties, which, at the close of the war, were worth- 
less. The Confederate army swept through C'arrulhon more 
than once; the I'ederal army also. What one left, tlie other 
took. Hence at the close of the war he was almost bankrupt 
again, his business was completely broken up. During the first 
three years of the war he bought all the cotton he C' •' ' ■• ' - 
it was not safe to ship it. he stored it for safety in 1 
of the county. At the close of the war he wrote to his New 
York merchant, to whom he had now been indebted for five 
years, that he would send him the cotton to cancel t' ' ' * ■ ' 
if there were a balance due him, he wouM take it in ^ 
balance enablerl him to resume business in a small w.i . h 

he did in the autunm of 1865 ; but the country was s«» utterly im- 
pov- ■ i by the war that 1> ' ■ > * vr 

a fe.. . ..:s his health failed ,. 't* 

tie worldly goods, but out of debt. 

NOT I. I lived in my brother Samuel*!* (amilv fnwn 1R51 to 
---. In January. 1887. I spmt two w < ]\r 

I' • i>!e. a r ■ ifTrrrr '■ •• I chro: ' •• 

patient an He '. with ; 



-74 — 

God. During the following winter he was so feeble that he kept 
to his bed most of the time. On the evening of Feb. 15, 1888, 
he said to his wife : "I would like to get up and pray once more." 
She assisted him. They kneeled together at the bedside, and 
after a few minutes his voice ceased. The spirit had returned to 
God, who gave it. This was the glorious ending of the life that 
now is of one of the most cheerful, happy, godly men I ever 
knew. He was seventy-five years old, height 5 feet, 7 inches, 
weight 160 pounds ; always neat in person and dress, shaved 
smooth. In manner, gentle, kind and amiable. A noble Christian 
gentleman. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright ; for 
the end of that man is peace." His wife, Amanda Ayres Hart, 
was a quiet, unassuming, godly woman, in every way worthy of 
such a husband. She survived her husband about two years, 
w^hen she joined him. 

"In the land of pure dehght. 

Where saints immortal reign." — C. C. Hart. 

Emma Stansberry, born April 26, 1843. Educated in the 
schools of Carrollton. She united with the Presbyterian church 
in early Hfe. Was married to Mr. John L. Tustin, a jeweler of 
Carrollton, March 21, i860. They had two daughters, Lizzie 
and Emma H. Mr. Tustin served in the Confederate army dur- 
ing the civil war. He died soon after the war. His widow and 
her children lived with her parents, she taking the oversight of 
household affairs, until after the death of her father, 1888; when 
she purchased and remodeled the Carrollton Hotel, which she 
opened as the Tustin House. This business she conducted suc- 
cessfully until her death in 1897. 

Lizzie Tustin, after completing her education in the Carroll- 
ton schools and studying music under private instruction, spent 
one year in the College of Music, Cincinnati, O. She was then 
employed as a music teacher in a school in Texas, where she 
married a Mr. Her. They had one son. Garland. Mrs. Her re- 
turned to Carrollton on a visit and died there November 26, 
1895. Their son, Garland Her, has a home with his uncle, S. P. 
Armstrong, 

Emma H. Tustin united with the Presbyterian church in early 
life. She married Mr. McBride, a druggist of Carrollton. They 
had no children. After the death of her mother she took the 
management of the Tustin House. For three years she was a 
helpless sufferer from spinal trouble. During this time she 
manifested the greatest patience and Christian resignation. Died 
April 17, 1899, in the 32d year of her age. 



-73- 

Mary Elizabeth, second child of Samuel and Amanda Mart, 
was born Feb. 4, 1845. She received her education in schools 
oi Carrolhon and also at Cirenada. Miss. She united with the 
Presbyterian church at an early age. She was marrieil to Mr. 
Isaac Anderson Hoo<l. son of Rev. Nathaniel Hood, of Blount 
County, Tennessee. Nov. 27, 1866. They had two children. 
Samuel Hart and .\manda. Their married life was spent in 
Memphis, Tenn.. where Mr. Hood <lieil March lO, 1873. Mrs. 
Hood and her children made their home in Carrolhon. where 
she taught school for two years. On Sept. 26. 1876. she was 
marrieil to Mr. William I. Ayres, a cotton broker of Grenada, 
where he died of yellow fever Sept. 5, 1878. Mrs. Ayres then 
taught in the public schools of Grenada for fifteen years. After 
this she lived three years in Webster Groves, Mo., when, at the 
request of the School Board, she returned to Grenada and re- 
sumed the work of teaching, which she still continues (Febru- 
ary, 1900). 

Samuel Hart Hood was born .\pril 7. 1868. He received his 
education in the schools of Grenaila. He serveil an apprentice- 
ship of one year in the office of the Grenada Sentinel and com- 
pleted his apprenticeship in Memphis. As a jounuyman print- 
er he worked in Memphis, Tenn., Evansville. Ind.. and other 
cities. In September. 1895. he came to Webster Groves, Mo., 
and has since that time been in the emi)loy of R. I'. S " & 
Co., printers, bintlers and lithographers of St. Louis. ' .. ..uv. 
15. 1898, he was married to Miss Clara Bristol, daughter of Dr. 
B. J. Bristol, of Webster Groves. Thcv have one chiUI, Gara 
Hood. 

Amanda Hood was horn N'ov. 18. \iU>t). Reccive<l her . '• > 
tion in the schools of (irenada. In early life .she united \\i 
Presbyterian church. Dec. 21, 1887. she was married to Mr. 
John \\'. I'.uchanan, editor of the Grenada Scntiiul. Tin;, h.ivr 
two children: Mary, born Aug. 16, i88<;; and Kllcn. born June 
6, 1898. 

Third child of Samuel and Amanda Hart, a daugl**^''. ""< 
named, died in infancy. 

William Harrison, fourth cluld of Sanujcl and .A 
' rn .\ug. 20. 1846. Received his educatioji in li. 
' Urn. WaA Converted in early life and united wjth the 

Presbyterian church He noon dcvelopr<l a reniarkal)lc Oirit- 
lian character. At the age of seventeen he wa* ' into the 

f ' • • -tiripating in •' ' ittle f>: '■ • ■"■" 

■ lie •.'. .i . \' I '.■ \V< Ml' 



-76- 

him for further miHtary service. He returned home in Feb- 
ruary, 1865. After he recovered from his wound he went to St. 
Louis, where he was employed as travehng salesman for E. C. 
Simmons & Co., afterwards Simmons Hardware Company. He 
continued in their employ nine years. He married Miss Roxie 
Gregory, of St. Louis. Then he established himself in the hard- 
ware business in Grenada, Miss., and was building up a good 
trade when, on Aug. 19, 1878, he died in the scourge of yellow 
fever which carried off 350 of the citizens of Grenada. His 
widow returned to her father's home in St. Louis. 

Charles Harvey, sixth child of Samuel and Amanda Hart, was 
born Feb. 8, 1852. Received his primary education in the schools 
of Carrollton, was a student in the State University of Oxford, 
Miss., one year. Went to St. Louis, where he was employed as 
bookkeeper in the M. E. Book Concern. After this he went to 
Western Texas, where he was employed in herding cattle for 
several years, when he formed a partnership with two others in 
the cattle raising business, where he died Nov. 19, 1888, in the 
37th year of his age. Unmarried. 

Samuel, Jr., seventh child of Samuel and Amanda Hart, was 
born Jan. 9, 1855. He received his education in the schools of 
Carrollton. Jde married Miss Hattie Miller, of Larrollton. 1 hey 
are members ot the Jr'resbytenan church, and have three chil- 
dren : Harry M., born May 31, iSiS5; Mmnie Armstrong, born 
Feb. 24, 1889; Samuel, Jr., born Oct. 19. 1893. He has been 
clerk of the Chancery Court of his district twelve years, and at 
the late election was elected for the seventh time. 

Minnie Ella, ninth child of Samuel and Amanda Hart, was 
born Oct. 3, 1858. She received her education in the Carrollton 
schools. Was converted in early life and united with the Pres- 
byterian church. She was married Oct. 9, 1887, to Mr. Stephen 
P. Armstrong, of Vaiden, Miss. The Armstrong Bros, are do- 
ing a prosperous business as general merchants. Mr. Armstrong 
is an elder in the Presbyterian church. They have four children, 
only one of whom is now living (September, 1900). Mrs. Minnie 
Ella, wife of S. P. Armstrong, died September, 1900, aged 
forty-two years. 

Isaac Ayres, tenth child of Samuel and Amanda Hart, was 
born May 3, 1861. Attended the schools of Carrollton. After he 
became of age he made his home in Holly Springs, Miss. He 
died April 10, 1893, aged thirty-two years. Unmarried. 



— // — 

Clarence, eleventh child of Samuel ami Amanda Hart, was 
born Aug. 17. 1864. died Sept. 7, 1865. 

NOTE — Laura Amanda Hart died at the age of thirteen. 
Washington Stansberry Hart lived but fourteen months. Clar- 
ence Hart lived twelve months. — C. C. H. 

James Harvey, third son of Joseph and Mary Hart, was born 
in the family home three miles northeast of Maryvillc, East Ten- 
nessee, Sept. 21. 1815. He was named for Rev. James Harvey. 
autiior of "Harvey's Meditations." a devotional work popular 
with the Presbyterians of East Tennessee. At six years of age 
he accompanied the family in their emigration to Bartholomew 

County, Intliana. Here he obtained the rudiments of r' • •• 

such as could be had in the schools of the neighborhi" 
about fourteen years old his father carefully wrote tlic inden- 
tures and apprenticed his son to John R. Abbett, of Columbus, 
to learn the trade of a tailor. When out of his apjirenticcship 
he went to Salem. Ind.. where he worked for two years as a 
journeyman tailor. In the early autumn of 1836, at the age of 
twenty-one. when the Ohio river was low and few boats were 
running, he, with ten otiier young men, some mech.inics, some 
conmion laborers, one lawyer, all seeking an opening for l)usine«.>. 
clubbed together, bought two skifTs, fishing and hunting imple- 
ments, and from Xew Albany. Ind., started down the Ohio river, 
stopping at farm houses or towns when their larder required re- 
plenishing, sleeping on shore or in barns. .After twelve or fifteen 
days they landed at Evansville, Ind. Here they s«ild their outfit 
and disbanded. Tlie young tailor made his way, on fool, across 
the country to New Haven, a village on the Little Wabash river, 
in Gallatin Coimty, Illinois. Here he esta' " " ! and carried on 
the tailoring business successfully for fruii.-ii years. In Sep- 
tember, 1H30. he moved to Shawneetown. j>n the Ohio river. 
where he established himself as a merchant tailor and general 
clothier. In this business he continued with a good degree of 
success, enjoying the confi<lence of his fcllow-citirens for tliiriy 

years; wlien by misfortunes, failures by others and faithir 

of friends for whom he had endorsed, he was driven to t" 
and compelled, at the age of seventy-four, to go out of bii 
His fellow-citizens «»howed their confidence in his integrity by 
electing him treasurer of the city, which office he hchi many 

years, and at each r|rctir»n hr rrrrivr*! a ' ' «me m" of 

votes; anrl although each year $^1,000 to ; . -^' passed : v'h 



-78- 

his hands, not a dime was missing. And in the final settlement, 
after many years of service, his accounts were found by the au- 
diting authority to be correct. He also served as magistrate seven 
years, receiving an unusually large amount of business, espe- 
cially in collecting, all of which was found correct. In 1842 he 
was made a Master Mason, and soon after received the degree 
of Royal Arch Mason. He has served in every office in his lodge, 
and for seventeen years was secretary. In 1872 he was elected 
treasurer of his lodge, which office he has held continuously 
twenty-seven years. He was a careful and discriminating reader 
of magazines and other general literature, and had a retentive 
memory. No man in his community had a more accurate knowl- 
edge of current literature, especially of the current history of 
the affairs of his own country, than he had. 

On March 26, i860, be was married to Miss Achsah L. Gold, 
a member of the Presbyterian church of Shawneetown. To this 
union four children were born: Joseph Calvin, May 6, 1862; 
Mary Frances, May 5, 1865, died Sept. 14, 1872; Charles, Jan. 
4, 1869, died when a few weeks old; Elizabeth, March 9, 1870, 
died April i, 1871. 

In the autumn of 1867 Rev. C. C. Hart, pastor of the Presby- 
terian church of Logan, O., visited his brother in Shawneetown. 
At the solicitation of the pastor and session of the church, he 
conducted evangelistic services daily for two weeks, at which 
time his brother and many others were converted and united 
with the Presbyterian church. He at once established the fam- 
ily altar. He collected a class of small children, brought them 
into the Sabbath School, taught them Sabbath after Sabbath, 
visited them at their homes, and had the unspeakable pleasure 
of seeing them all converted and brought into the church. 

NOTE — He has always maintained a noble character for hon- 
esty, integrity in business, purity in private life, fidelity to pub- 
lic trusts, generous to all and eminently domestic in his habits. 
He has no enemies, and all who know him respect him for his 
many good qualities, which have been manifest in the commun- 
ity in which he has lived for half a century. And now, at the 
completion of his 85th year, Sept. 21, 1900, he is living a quiet 
life, enjoying the peace of the gospel, illustrating the fruits of the 
Spirit, waiting patiently the call of the Master. His wife, Atta, 
as she is familiarly called, is a noble woman, an earnest Chris- 



-79- 

tian, sweet, gentle, quiet of temper; in every way wonhy of her 
noble husband. Those who know her best appreciate ami love 
her most. — C. C. H. 

Jpseph Calvin, the only living s«^n ot Janus ii. an<l .Xch^ali L. 
Hart, received his educatinn in the schiH)ls of Shawiuctown. At 
an early age he was converted and united with the I^resbyterian 
church, and has ever been active in the Sabbath School, choir, 
Christian Endeavor and in the general work of the church. In 
his boyhood he learned the printing business. For eight years 
he was bookkeeper for Hair tS: Kidgcway, box manufacturers and 
lumber dealers, of Chicago. Tlie winters proving too severe, he 
left Chicago and for a year was editor and manager of the Canni 
Courier. White County. Illinois. He then accrpted a clerkship 
in the State Xational Bank of Shawneetown. which he still holds 
(January, 1900). He is also chief editor of the Shawnee News. 
He was made a Master Mason in 1891, Warren Lodge, and for 
four years has been master of his lodge (January, 1900). 



— 8o — 



CHAPTER VI. 

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. CHARLES 

COFFIN HART. 

I was born in my father's house, three and one-half miles 
northeast of Maryville, Blount County, East Tennessee, March 
29, 1820. I was named for Rev. Charles Coffin, D. D., who 
came from Newberyport, Mass.. to East Tennessee in the early 
history of that colony. I was baptized by Rev. Isaac Anderson, 
D, D. My parents, Joseph and Mary (Means) Hart, were godly 
people, seeking for themselves and their children, first of all, 
"The kingdom of God and His righteousness." 

In September, 1821, the family emigrated to Bartholomew 
County, Indiana, where my father purchased from the govern- 
ment 160 acres of land, five miles east of Columbus, and built 
a cabin in which we lived six years. The country was almost a 
wilderness. Here I learned the names of all the forest trees in 
that part of the country and how to tell the points of the com- 
pass, when in the woods on a cloudy day, by the moss on the 
north side of certain trees. I also learned the names and habits 
of the birds and wild animals that were common in the country. 
As I was the youngest in the family, I spent much of the time in 
the cabin with my mother. Among my earliest recollections is 
seeing my mother spinning flax on the "little wheel," brought 
from the old home in Tennessee. Mentally, I can now see the 
big Bible lying open on a chair at her left hand. As she was 
spinning she would read and commit to memory verses of the 
Bible. Here she taught me to commit to memory the hymn, 
"There Is a Land of Pure Delight," the first thirteen verses of 
the fifth chapter of Matthew and other verses of Scripture, long 
before I knew the alphabet. In the evenings, by the firelight, 
while mother would spin or knit, the boys, under father's direc- 
tion, committed to memory the questions and answers of the 
Shorter Catechism, or verses of scripture. After which father 



— Si — 

would sing hymns from memory. And when he sang, "Awake, 
my soul, by Sinai's sound, my soul in bonds of guilt I found," 
etc.. I often trembled. I knew I was a sinner an<l had need lo 

be "born aj^ain." Thus early did the Ht>ly Spirit. ^ ■ of 

divine truth contained in this hymn, awaken my c- to 

my condition as a sinner, when I was not four years old. And 
from that time on the consciousness of sin and the need of a 
Savior was ever present with me. When abmit five years old 
the question. "\\ ill Clod hear my j)rayer?" came befi>re my mind. 
1 went away alone and asked God that a certain thing — which I 
thought very uncertain — should happen within three days. To 
my surprise it occurred just as I had asked. Since that time I 
have never for a moment doubted that Ciod would hear and an- 
swer prayer. When I was si.x years old my brother William was 
drowned in Clifty creek. I had never seen a dead l>ody. I do 
not remember that I had even heard of death. This event 
awakened in me a new field of thought, and gave me still greater 
an.xicty about my condition as a .sinner. When 1 was seven years 
old my mother died. A short time before her death she called 
me to her bedside, and laying her hand on my head, told mc she 
was going to die. She then gave me a most affectionate part- 
ing message, and in less than half an hour she entered into rest. 
And now. seventy-four years after her ileath. I cannot remember 
any act or words that have so constantly followed me through 
life to restrain me from acts of wickedness and to ei mc 

to a life of obe<lience to my heavenly leather as tl ..vt's 

hand laid on my childish head, and that faithful nu-~ >f my 

dying mother. In scenes of wickedness these things were ever 
before me. Hence I have always i I a Christian mother 

as the greatest earthly blessing n)\ iM.»»tnly l-ather (•••'' *ic- 
slf*\\ upon me. After the «lealh of my mother I lived i irs 

with my brother Gideon on the SamI Hill farm, working <»n the 
farn) and going to *.chool in the winter, until .\ov. lo. i8,^j, when 
Rrv. W. W. Woiids. of (Irernwoofl. twelve miles "^ "' f In- 
dianapoli.s, arranged with my father for nie lo live v i two 

years. I was to work on his farm nine months and ; <)l 

three months each year. He was to lK>ard and d r I 

i;.. ■ '^ 

to pay for m\ ; for n 

returned to brother ( iideon's Scpieml>rr, 1H34. In I • v, 

|R^^>. I wrnt f M. W.T ' ■ ■ i» the 

cabmet makei -. n.i.lc. In ...... .;.... v » ... -». ... M- 



— 82 — 

then carefully prepared the papers of indenture which bound 
me to four years' faithful service, for which I was to receive 
board and clothing-. I loved my boss and served him faithfully. 
tic- was patient, kind and generous to me. During the last year 
of service I agreed to furnish my clothes and washing and mend- 
ing for $50. but when my service closed I found myself in debt 
$150. During my apprenticeship I hid my Bible, a gift of my 
father, in the bottom of my chest. I very seldom went to church, 
but that message of my mother was ever with me. Rev. S. K. 
Sneed, a friend of my father and pastor in New Albany, Ind.,^ 
came to see me soon after I was out of my apprenticeship and 
invited me to attend the camp meeting at Mt. Tabor, three miles 
from New Albany, in the following August. I then secured work 
for six months at Livonia, a village tvv^elve miles west of Salem. 
On the 30th of July, 1840, I went to the Mt. Tabor camp meet- 
ing. For several days I was under deep conviction for sin. On 
the loth of August, in the forest alone with God, a half a mile 
from camp, I gave myself unreservedly to the Lord, and Jesus 
revealed himself to me as my savior. Two days later, while rid- 
ing home, alone and in the forest, contemplating the great work 
God had done for my soul, the question came up. Why has God 
done this work for such a sinner? Ask, ask. And while pray- 
ing, the answer came, clear and satisfying. You must preach. 
That settled it. If I was ever called to the work of the ministry 
it was then and there. In a very few minutes the whole plan of 
my life was changed. I had planned, as soon as I could pay my 
debts and get money enough, and I supposed I could do this in 
two years, to go into business in Burlington, la.,' > 

When I returned to Livonia, with the consent of the family- 
I boarded with, I conducted family worship. I united with the 
'NlLuii Solsm Presbyterian Church, under the care of Rev. Alexan- 
der McFerson, pastor at Salem, and continued work until No- 
vember, when I discovered that my employer had cheated me 
out of a large part of my wages. In November I returned to 
Salem. My education was limited to the meager opportunities 
I had before I was sixteen. At Salem I went to the County 
Seminary, taught by the beloved and faithful Zebulon B. Ster- 
gus. There I put in six months in classes with boys and girls 
of 14 and 15, and worked at my trade to pay for board, clothing- 
and school expenses. During that winter Salem was blessed 
with a gracious revival of religion, in which all the churches 
shared. This gave me an opportunity to labor with my asso- 
ciates, which I did faithfully,- and had the joy of seeing a num- 



-S3- 

ber of thciii turn to ilu- Lord. ( )ur beloved teacher was convert- 
ed and at once began reading the Scripture antl prayer at the 
opening of school each day. This hail a most salutary effect 
upon the school. The year 184 1-2 1 was in the same but 

taught by the eccentric and able educator. Kev. '' mi M. 

Xyce. and his sister. I owe much to these three it - What 

they did not know about teaching I have as yet seen but few 
that ditl. In November, 1842, I was employed to teach a c- 
tr\- school in Jackson C'ountv. twentv milt-s north of ^ ' Mv 
salary was $12.50 per nu)nth of twenty-lour days a;. . . lard 
around." At the cn<l of four months the directors pai«l me $50 
in silver and unanimously "voted it the l>est school ever taught 
in the district." During these four mcmths my only outlay in 
money was fifty cents. For what was this enormous f^- Al- 
lure? For haJf soling my shoes. As there was no pr- ^ 
within four miles, 1 invited my scholars and their parents to 
come to the school house Sabbath moniing and 1 would preach 
to them. This I did several times, and always ' ' full house. 
\\\ May I. 1843. I ''•'^*' \):\\A all my tlebts and :... . ^5 m silver. 
With this and my tool chest, I started to Marietta. O., to get a 
college education. This college was organized as a "manual la- 
bor institution." They had a large two-story buildii ' ' 1 
been used for a barrel and broom factory, now v..- ■\. 
When I reached Marietta I left my tool chest and other I e 
on the wharfbiiat. went to the college, saw one of the pr< 
who received me kindly, a-^signed me a room in ' 
and told me I could occupy any part of the ' - . ...it 
suited me for a shop, free of rent. I first pi , ird my- 
self in my room. I then selected a comer on the second floor of 
the factory. Iwught pine boards an<l partitioned «»fT i6xiK feet 
for a shop: borrowed a small stove and a bench. !»ought some 
s,... ,..,.•, I lumber, r*'" varnish, nails, etc. 1 then wrnt to the 
f; of the p: : an<l others nearby and d work 
in cleaning, varnishmg, repairing or making furniture. .Ml this 
beff)re I began stmlying. 1 thm Imj^tiu stutlying ( . ' 'f 
alone. .As there was no I'resbyterian (liurch : I 
imited with the Congregational Church. .After a numth'n v . 
ing. lonely, homesick, no work offered, my little sukV of money 
slipping away. I went to the i»rincip.d oabijv I 
askcfl him to give me the material for a 1..1. . .ic 
make it in my shop, keep it a niontli and then I v. , ut it in 
his warcroom, and when sold he could |>ay me what He thcuiKht 
was right. The bureau was vcneereil with bird's eye m 



-84- 

scroll columns, scroll feet, double ogee drawer at the top and 
polished like a piano case. I then invited the professors and 
others to inspect this specimen of my work. Presto ! My for- 
tune was made. From that time on I had all the work I desired, 
and at fair prices. As work increased I put a second bench into 
my shop and frequently hired a fellow-student at ten cents per 
hour. At the beginning of my sophomore year I took in a part- 
ner, H. N. Pierce, a lad of sixteen, the only son of his mother, 
and she a widow. His mother furnished him $50 per year. We 
worked together, kept bachelor hall at a cost of fifty cents each 
per week. One winter we took in a student to board at seventy- 
five cents per week. We contracted no debts, paid all our bills 
promptly and graduated honorably, I in the class of '48 and he 
in that of '49. He studied theology privately and for thirty years 
was a most useful minister, most of the time in Minnesota, when 
the Master called him home. During my college course I taught 
two classes of girls in Sabbath Schools, at one and three in the 
afternoons. These were all converted during this period except 
one. She married, went to Iowa, was converted and her only son 
is now a useful Presbyterian minister, honoring the title of D. D. 
In my sophomore year the college was blessed with a revival of 
religion, in which all the students were deeply affected, and al- 
most all the impenitent were converted. 
A After I graduated I went to Columbus, Ind., and worked at 

"/ 'LPQJi V ^4A "^y trade for $7.50 and board per week for one month. My 
y , brother Safnuel visited us and gave me $50. With this and my 

,,,^-j,,^ JI/jl4/\ month's wages I entered Lane Seminary, Cincinnati, September, 
/ 1848. Here I opened a little shop and supported myself with 

the aid of $20 per quarter, granted by the Committee of Educa- 
tion. Just at the close of the seminary year, June 8, 1849, I was 
attacked with cholera, from which about 200 per day were dying 
in Cincinnati and suburbs. After two days of great suffer- 
ing I was so weak that it was difficult for me to walk across my 
room, and I did not regain my strength until October. I en- 
tered my second year in the Seminary in debt, occasioned by 
sickness and inability to work. I carried this debt through the 
winter. In the spring of 1850, to relieve myself of debt, I left 
the Seminary before the close of the term and opened a private 
school in Columbus, Ind. The first week I had seven scholars, 
fourteen the second, thirty the third, and soon had seventy-five, 
when I employed an assistant. On the loth of September, 1850, 
the Presbytery of Madison held a special meeting at Columbus, 
at which- I was examined and licensed. I continued mv school 



-85- 

for ten months, witli the hope of niakinp: $600. Hut I couKl col- 
lect less than $50^3. Out of this 1 paid all my debts and my 
board bill of $1.25 per week. .\i)ril 1. 1851. I started to Carroll- 
ton. Miss., to visit my bri-ither Samuel, intending to return in six 
weeks. I stopped at Shawneetown. 111., to see :■ ' ■ thcr. I II. 
Mart. Here I found a town of 800 souls. Pn .m and M. 

E. churches, but no j)reachin^'. I reported myself to Klder John 
Kirkpatrick and offered to preach. He said I couhl preach ^ 
bath morninjT;-. On Sabbath morninc^ I found a .Sabbath ' 
of thirty. Itpltl Elder K. 1 would be in town for a wn.. ..;..! 
asked how much preachin;;^ they wanted. After a moment's re- 
flection he said: "I will tell you after preaching." I had about 
thirty hearers. After preaching. Elder K. rerpiested me to n 
any appointments I desiretl. I announced preaching for 
evening^, for \\'ednes«lay and Satur<lay evenin^js, and twice ; 
Sabbath. I held my thirty hearers until Saturday evening. \s 
we had a heavy rain, and I had nine men for hearers. I read a 
Scripture lesson, offered jirayer. preached from Prov. . ' 
dismissed the congrejjation. Xo sinRinp:. The secoi, 
I had a full house, morning and evening. At the nu>rni' 
ice Elder K. said they woidd taJ<e up a collection, .\fter preacli- 
ing. I announced the collection, the hat was passefl and tlje ^ 

gregation dismissed, when the goo<l elder, without co- 

emptied the hat into my hands. I thanked him. W lu-n . 
counted my treasures. $3.75, my first money for preaching. 

On Monday I continued my journey to Memphis. Tcnn. Here 
I was delayed one day waiting for the staire. Reache<l Cofi 
ville Saturday, at 8 p. m. Stayed over th' ith. I'l 

the Cumberlanrl rresbytcrian fhurch. 1 .1 ' m »> 

I reached Carrollton three weeks of my alloti was j; 

I was invited to slay and preach a few Sabbath- ,t the ji 

die of May I was asked to go to Madison ("oimty, on the 
Black river, and preach to a < 
made this journey, seventy-five ;.... 
Found a g<K)fl church ifi the midst of 
ten to a hundred slaves on each plantation. E\ 
made ready for my coming. I was to niake my hoiiu- 

John .^milh and |)reaili ratli S.ililt.itli - ^■" ■ 

baths I Tti-"''- in arrangcnimi with .M. 

altcrnatf ^ths in the aftrrnooti nn his p! 

dred slaves, for which I received $5 in gohi r '<% »erfr' • 

Thus I passed the summer in the midut of slaver.. 1 he chtirch 



— 86 — 

paid me $80 in gold and invited me to become their pastor, 
which I declined. I returned to Carrollton and was offered a 
field of labor, which I agreed to accept, after spending another 
term in the Seminary. I reached Lane Seminary early in Octo- 
ber, after an absence of eighteen months. I was invited to 
preach at Cleves, General William Henry Harrison's old home, 
on alternate Sabbaths during term time, which I accepted. On 
the alternate Sabbaths I was almost always engaged in preach- 
ing. I graduated in the class of 1852, and soon after returned to 
iMississlppi, and by direction of Presbytery, took charge of the 
churches of Carrollton and Middleton. In September I went to 
Greenwood, twenty miles west of Carrollton, to assist in a union 
evangelistic meeting. It was agreed that I should preach every 
nigh.t and the Presbyterian and M. E. pastors should conduct all 
other services. One evening when I had preached from II Thess. 
5: 19. "Quench not the Spirit," the house was crowded. The 
M. E. pa'stor made an earnest exhortation and asked those who 
would not quench the Spirit to come forward. Not a soul moved. 
We dropped on our knees and earnest prayer was offered, and 
when we arose from our knees every one in the house not a 
church member, except two, came to the front, some pleading 
for mercy. The two, finding themselves alone, left the house. 
This meeting lasted ten days, and much good was done. Thirty 
professed Christ. In December Rev. C. M. Atkinson and I went 
to Shongalo to assist Rev. Robert Morrison in evangeli_stic serv- 
ices. We had preaching daily, morning and afternoon ; lunch at 
the church. Bro. A. and I preached alternately for ten days. A 
large number, some colored people, were added to the church. 

January i, 1853, the Presbytery of Lexington met in special 
session in Carrollton. E. M. Richardson and myself were ex- 
amined, and on Sabbath, Jan. 2, we were ordained to the work 
of the gospel ministry. On the same day, in the presence of the 
Presbytery, I baptized several adults and also some children. My 
labors in the churches of Carroll County took me from home 
from ninety to one hundred days each year and required me to 
travel about 2,000 miles in the saddle. 

In May, 1853, I became acquainted with Miss Olivia P. Stud- 
ley, a young lady from Boston, who was teaching in Bascom Col- 
lege in Grenada, twenty-five miles from Carrollton. We were 
married Sept. 6, 1853, in the First Congregational Church of St. 
Louis, Mo., by Rev. T. M. Post, D. D., in the presence of the 
Studley brothers and a few invited guests, and returned to Car- 



-S7- 

rollton. To this union six chiUlrcn were born, which will be 
noticed later on. 

NOTE — In my diary I find this recorti : Aug. 3, 1853. h is 
one year this nK)rnin>^ since I arrived in L'arroUion. 1 ' >! 

failed to fill any appointments nor lost a meal's victuals ; . ...ai 
of health. I have preached 156 times, traveled in the .saddle 
mostly 2.4i)j miles, conducted thirty prayer meetings. ma<lc 
thirty-two sermons, wrote 108 letters. >pent sixty days in pro- 
tracted meetings, in which sixty-three ])ersons ma<le profession 
of religion, was ordained, received ten persons to church niem- 
bership. baptized ten, married one couple, attended three fun- 
erals, made one hundre<l pastoral visits and about one hundred 
and fifty social ones, engaged to be married ami built a • ! 

pit of black walnut and mahngany. .\n eventful year! J n.- ^.il- 
pit. in a new church, is still in use (1900). 

In .August. 1854. the church at (irecnwood being without a pas- 
tor. Rev. E. M. KJchardson and I, by invitation, held an evange- 
listic meeting of ten days, which resulted in ni; r- 
sions : and a few months after this 1 becanu- ^' •»( 
this church, and Rev. R. Morrison supplied .\. os 
supplying these churches regularly. I often preached in private 
houses anfl in the only country school house in Carroll County. 
We had frc<|uent a<lditions to the churches. During t' n- 

mer and fall of 1855 the politicians were discussing p. ..nd 

candidates for the presidential campaign of 1856. In the inter- 
est of slavery Congress had revoked the "Missouri Compromise" 
of 1820. Tlie slave hohlers claimed the right to carry their 
slaves into any territory of the L*! •• ' "^tatcs. A desp' ' ' - '^ -rt 
was made to make Kansas a slav< Init faile<l. I 

of slavery Ix'came so prominent in all the afTairs of daily life that 
it became very disagreeable to me. W hen ipu 'in private. 

I always e I my views of the ■ ' ' ' J 

nrit utter a ». .n public. I trie! ' "I 

white, without makmg myself ol! to an I 

could not live in peace without evadmg or comprommnjf my 
convictions. I detrrmined t<» leave the .^)Uth and ^crk a field 
of labor in a fret State. In . Sep* ' - •'■'" ' " ' T 

broke fjut in (irecnwood, and in . "t 

of a population of /irr). wore in their grave*. Of C' 
holfl no m- 1 my aptKiintmcnl (or and 

r> 'rr. U iuie in .M ' * ' ic*. 450 

Sci III' Mil and traveled 8,^">> iimt ". •••■ '->i 



* I t t 1 1 « 



— 88 — 

On the 20th of January, 1856, we left Carrollton, drove to 
Greenwood, thence by Yazoo river steamboat to Vicksburg, 
where we spent the Sabbath. On Monday, January 26, we pro- 
ceeded to St. Louis. This journey occupied eleven days. 

After spending a few weeks in resting and correspondence, I 
left my wife and baby boy in St. Louis and went to Georgetown, 
O., and engaged in evangelistic work for ten days. I had been 
greatly harassed with the idea that in leaving Mississippi I had 
run away from the Lord's work. But when I began to preach 
sinners were awakened and converted, the cloud was lifted and 
the joy of the Lord was mine. I next went to Columbus to con- 
sult the committee for Home Missions for Southern Ohio. The 
committee requested me to visit the church at Logan, fifty miles 
southeast of Columbus, "strengthen the things that remain lest 
they die," and return and they would put me in a good field. At 
Logan I found a church reporting eighty-nine members, but not 
more than fifty could be found. It soon became plain to me, and 
to the church also, that this was the field that God designed for 
me to labor in. After three weeks the church gave me a unani- 
mous invitation to become their stated supply, which I accepted. 
I brought my family from St. Louis and we began housekeeping 
in Logan, May i, 1856. 

At our first communion service we received eleven young peo- 
ple on profession, some of whom abide, a strength to the church, 
after forty-six years. We also received three men and their 
wives by letter, two of whom served the church in the eldership 
for forty years, and the third for the same time as trustee, and 
all until their death. Two of the women abide to this day faith- 
ful to the church. As this was supposed to be a malarious dis- 
trict the church advised me to leave the place for four or five 
weeks in the fall. I, with my family, spent the latter part of Au- 
gust and the month of September in New England. This was 
my first vacation. My next was the month of August, 1885. 

In April, 1857, I attended the meeting of the Presbytery of 
Athens at Amesville. Present, two ministers, moderator and 
stated clerk and nine elders. We spent two days preaching, 
asked the moderator to call a meeting ten days later to transact 
whatever business might come before them. This meeting, 
April 25, was at Pomeroy. Present, two ministers, stated clerk 
and one other, and nine elders. Spent two days in preaching, 
waiting for a third minister. None came. It was then agreed 
that my name should be put upon the roll, constitute Presbytery 



-89- 

and proceed to business. The Presbytery then examined and or- 
dained Israel S. Twombly, a hcentiate from the Presbytery of 
Cincinnati, and elected commissioners to the General Assembly, 
to meet in Cleveland, O., in May. I was the only minister that 
could go, and as I had recently come from Mississippi, they were 
afraid of me on the slavery question. I was asked my reasons for 
leaving the South. I told them I knew of but two. First, I want- 
ed to ; and second, one of the churches to which I preached want- 
ed me to. That satisfied them. I was unanimously elected com- 
missioner. Twenty Presbyteries sent overtures to this Assem- 
bly on the subject oi slavery, some of them asking that steps be 
taken to discipline those who were voluntarily holding slaves for 
profit. The report of the Committee on Bills and Overtures was 
made on Monday, May 25, and its consideration made the order 
of the day on the 26th. This subject was discussed from day to 
day, as other business permitted, until Monday, June 3, when a 
substitute, rehearsing previous acts of the Assembly on this sub- 
ject and recommending that the Assembly reaffirm and empha- 
size these acts, was presented. The Southern members demand- 
ed that the Assembly retract all previous acts. The vote on the 
substitute was taken June 4. Affirmative, 169; negative, 26. 
When the vote was announced, the Southern members rose ni a 
body and left the house. In about an hour all returned and took 
their seats, when Rev. James G. Hammer, D. D., Baltimore, Md., 
presented a protest in behalf of those voting in the negative, 
which was read, ordered to be placed on record and a committee 
appointed to make answer. The Southern members then left 
the house. A few months after my name was enrolled m the 
irregular manner noted above, the Presbytery held a special 
meeting. Rumor had charged a member of Presbytery, engaged 
in business and not in preaching, with unchristian conduct in 
business, when he was put on trial. I was made prosecutor. On 
the morning of the third day of trial the accused presented the 
following : 

"Whereas, Rev. C. C. Hart's name was put upon the roll at a 
meeting when there were but two ministers present, therefore be 

it 

"Resolved, That he is not a member of this Presbyter}'. 
And moved its adoption. Carried, 5 to 4- Presto ! My ecclesias- 
tic head was ofT by a resolution. The thing was so bold, done so 
quickly, that no one seemed to realize what was bcmg done. 
The Stated Clerk had my letter, acted upon five months before, 



— 90 — 

presented it, and by vote of 7 to 2, the accused and prosecutor 
not voting, I was made member of the Presbytery. Moral : Do 
no crookedness. 

This trial lasted seven days and resulted in sustaining the 
charges. An appeal to Synod was made. The dwelling of the 
Stated Clerk was destroyed by fire and our records burned. The 
Presbytery of Athens has no records previous to April, 1858, 
when I was made Stated Clerk and Treasurer. Within a year 
from this trial the accused committed suicide. 

The winter of 1857-8 is memorable for union prayer meeting. 
Our session, with class leaders of the M. E. church, appointed a 
committee to arrange for union meetings on Tuesday and Fri- 
day evenings of each week. These meetings were conducted by 
laymen and largely attended for about fifteen VN^eeks. At the 
close we received about fifty members. 

^ About the first of November, 1858, I went to Amesville to as- 
sist Bro. Merwin in evangelistic meetings. I preached every 
night and twice on each Sabbath for nearly forty days. They had 
the largest ingathering that church has ever had at oue time. 
Beginning in the latter part of January, 1859, I conducted evan- 
gelistic meetings in Logan almostdaily until the loth of March. 
The Lord gave us more than two score souls at this time. In 
November, 1859, I again assisted Bro. Merwin ten days and 
preached thirteen sermons. It rained much of the time, roads 
almost impassable, but few women at the meeting. About a 
dozen, nearly all men, came into the church. 

In i860 there was great political excitement in the country 
and but Httle interest in the Lord's service. The presidential 
campaign and election and the secession of South Carolina com- 
pletely absorbed public attention. A year previous to this our 
congregation crowded the audience room. By making some in- 
ternal changes we gained forty sittings, which were soon filled. 
Before leaving his home to assume the duties of President, Mr. 
Lincoln asked his fellow-citizens to pray for him, that God 
would guide him in the discharge of his public duties. I prepared 
a sermon on the duty of praying for our rulers. I Tim. 2: i, 2. 
This sermon I preached probably a dozen times in four counties. 
After the opening of the civil war (1861) I find this record: 
"Preached at a war recruiting massmeeting from Deut. 31 : 6. Be 
strong and of good courage, fear not nor be afraid of them ; for 
the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee ; He will not 
fail thee, nor forsake thee." At another time I preached from 



— 91 — 

Josh. 5 : 13. There were some among us who said I had left off 
preaching the gospel and was preaching politics. They ceased to 
come to church or to contribute to my salary. When I heard of 
sickness or trouble in any of their families I visited them, as I 
had done before, but said nothing of their absence. Our congre- 
gation was depleted in this way, and by a large number of our 
men who enlisted in the army. By vote of the church I was 
granted leave of absence on the fourth Sabbath of each month, 
they agreeing to assemble as usual and listen to a sermon read 
by one appointed the Sabbath previous. I then arranged to 
preach at Bremen, twelve miles distant, and at Cross Roads 
Church, six miles from Bremen. My plan was to preach at 
Bremen Saturday evening and Sabbath morning ; at Cross Roads 
in the afternoon and at Bremen in the evening again. This ar- 
rangement was continued until September, 1865, when those 
who had absented themselves \all returned. In October, 1803, I 
conducted evangehstic service's ten days at Cross Roads. On Sat- 
urday afternoon we had a meeting for prayer ; about twenty pres- 
ent. We sang a hymn, I read a passage of Scripture and offered 
prayer. I announced a familiar hymn— no one could sing. After 
a minute of silence I asked Elder Hasson to pray. We fell upon 
our knees, but not a word was uttered. After perhaps five min- 
utes we arose. I was awed with the feeUng : God is here, God 
is in this house. We sat in silent awe, and finally left the house 
without saying a word. Four hours after that house was crowd- 
ed. The whole neighborhood seemed to have heard of that 
meeting of silent awe. I preached from the words, "Quench not 
the Spirit," offered prayer, pronounced the benediction and the 
people all sat down. Then the Spirit seemed to be poured out. 
Souls were converted there that night ; others the next day. 
Eighteen members were added to the little church of twenty- 
five. Soon after this additions were made to the church at Bre- 
men. We maintained regular church services in Logan, but 
durino- the two years 1862 and 1863 I do not believe there was a 
soul converted in Logan. The pastor of the M. E. church ex- 
pressed the same. 

In October, 1867, I visited my brother in Shawneetown, 111. 
The pastor and elders requested me to hold a series of evange- 
listic meetings. I consented, as the object of my visit was the 
conversion of my brother, now past fifty years of age. I had no 
manuscript sermons with me suitable for such work and preached 
extemporary. Earlv in the meeting the Spirit was at work 



— 92 — 

among the unconverted. On Wednesday of the second week of 
the meeting, after making preparation for the evening meeting, 
and just before I started to the church, my subject, sermon and 
text all passed from me. I could not remember in what part of 
the Bible the text was. I was in great agony. The devil seemed 
to say, "You ought to have gone home ; your church needs you ; 
you can't do any good here; you can't preach to-night." I 
replied, "Lord help me. I will go into Thy house and stand be- 
fore the people — dumb if that is Thy will; only let the Spirit 
work." I went to the church not knowing what the Lord would 
do with me. But as I entered the door the text, subject, sermon, 
all came to me as clear as the light. I could have shouted for joy. 
I never preached the Word more clearly. My brother and others 
entered the Kingdom that night. We continued the meetings 
until Sabbath evening. I returned home on Monday. The church 
sanctioned my absence. 

During the winter and spring of 1867-8 we had additions to 
our church, and in August, 1868, I received a unanimous call 
from the church of Shawneetown to become their pastor. I ac- 
cepted the call and reached that place on the first day of October, 
and two weeks later was installed as pastor. Previous to this 
I had been stated supply. At my request the trustees built an 
annex in the rear of the church, which gave us two rooms, one 
for the primary class, the other for an adult Bible class and 
prayer meeting room. In January and February, 1869, we re- 
ceived twenty or twenty-five members, and during August and 
September we had the most memorable meeting in the history 
of the church. The brethren had for several years conducted 
Sabbath Schools in the country. They determined to make a 
grand rally. "Gallatin County for Jesus" was the motto. The 
owners of a large tobacco stemmery were the prime movers, and 
granted free use of the building. The tobacco racks were re- 
moved, a platform for fifty, singers and others, was made, and 
seats for 1,000 were extemporized. D. L. Moody, then engaged 
in Y. M. C. A. work, was engaged. PhiHp Philips, of New York, 
was employed to conduct the music. The people from the coun- 
try were invited to come in. Day after day our church was filled 
from 8:30 to 10 a. m. and sometimes till almost 12 m. About 
sunset 500 to 600 people would gather at Bank corner, Mr. 
Moody or Robert Reid, our efficient elder at Saline Mines, 
would preach a short sermon, when the people, four abreast, 
singing "Am I a Soldier of the Cross?" marched to the tobacco 



— 93 — 

stemmery, and by the time the meeting was open all seats would 
be filled. Here Mr. Moody had control of the meeting. Forty 
minutes for singing, reading the Scriptures and short prayers. 
Mr. Moody would address the congregation in his earnest spir- 
itual manner, after which a personal work was done throughout 
the congregation. The power of the Holy Spirit was manifest 
in all these meetings. Mr. Moody and Mr. Philips remained with 
us about ten days, but the meetings were continued, conducted 
by the laymen, almost daily for several weeks. I did no extra 
preaching. We received fifty members, and perhaps more than 
that number, living in different parts of the county, were con- 
verted. Robert Reid had conducted Sabbath School and weekly 
prayer meeting, with occasional preaching, for several years, at 
Saline Mines, seven miles from Shawneetown. 

In November, 1869, we held a four days' meeting at Saline 
Mines, and organized a church of fourteen members, as a branch 
of the church at Shawneetown. I then returned home, and after 
two days' rest, and by permission of the Session, I went to 
McC. to conduct a ten days' meeting. We had much rain, 
mud and dark nights ; few attended the meetings. Two young 
women professed Christ, and have show^n their faith by their 
works. 

In the meantime Elder Reid, with the help of six or eight 
who went from Shawneetown, continued the meetings at Saline 
Mines for four weeks, in which thirty-seven professed conver- 
sion and were examined by the Session. I visited them, bap- 
tized thirty-two and administered the sacrament of the Lord's 
Supper. The church elected elders and trustees, and Elder Reid 
became de facto their faithful and efficient pastor, and is so to 
this day (1900). Three years later the Presbytery insisted on or- 
daining him. so that he might administer the ordinances of the 
church. He had for several years preached as a layman. I doubt 
whether that Presbytery has ever had a man, taking him through 
the period of his eldership and ministry, that has accomplished 
more for the church of Christ than has Robert Reid. 

In the early months of 1870 we had additions to our church, 
and in the summer and fall we made a campaign similar to that 
of the previous year. The evangelist was Elder William Rey- 
nolds, of Peoria, 111. He spent a week with us. when there were 
several conversions. The work under his management, assisted 
by several members of our church, was carried to the country 
and into several adjoining counties. 



— 94 — 

About this time I had a long spell of typhoid fever, followed 
by sciatic and other troubles. With much suffering and weak- 
ness, I often preached sitting. My mind was clear, voice firm, 
but my sciatic troubles would not permit me to stand long 
enough to preach. This condition continued, more or less, until 
September, 1871, when, having lost all hope of regaining health 
in that locality, I resigned the pastorate. In the meantime the 
church at Logan, O., became vacant, and I received a call to 
become their pastor, which I accepted, and began work the first 
of November, 1871, and two weeks later was installed pastor. 

Gradually my health improved. Our work went on smooth- 
ly. In January, 1874, I organized a church at New Cadiz, six 
miles south of Logan. We had one family in that neighborhood. 
I had often preached in their school house. In the fall of 1873 
I drew up a plan and specifications for a house of worship, seat- 
ing 200. Mr. J. D. Longstreth gave the lot, and through his 
money and influence the house was built and dedicated, free of 
debt, and the church organized. Mr. Longstreth was made an 
elder. I preached to this church on alternate SablDath after- 
noons until they got a stated supply. In the fall of 1873 we re- 
modeled our house of worship,, adding fifty per cent to the au- 
dience room, put in modern pews, a pipe organ, new chandeliers, 
new fence and wider pavement, all at a cost of $4,000, paid for 
and rededicated before Christmas. 

In January, 1873, Rev. J. F. Williams, pastor of the M. E. 
church, and I planned a crusade against the saloons, nineteen of 
which we had in town. The crusade was already on in several 
counties. We held several union meetings. Forty-five of the 
best women in town undertook the work, elected a leader and 
by arrangement about thirty men and these women assembled in 
our church and spent a season in prayer, and the women marched 
out in double file, entered the nearest saloon, presented a paper 
to the proprietor, asking him to close his saloon and not again 
engage in selling intoxicating liquors in Logan. They sang 
hymns and prayed, leaving the pledge with the proprietor, and 
visited the next one. This crusade marched from saloon to sa- 
loon, morning and afternoon, six days in the week, until the 
loth of March, when every saloon was closed and every drug 
store pledged not to sell liquor to be drank. W^e met in our 
church each morning at 9 o'clock. The men remained thirty 
minutes for prayers, and a union meeting was held in the M. E, 
church every night. Thus the public interest was kept up, and 



— 95 — 

for four months Logan was iiterally a "dry town." ^'xiany intem- 
perate men reformed permanently, and the whole work was done 
in such a Christian spirit that no ill feeling or strife was engen- 
dered. But finally a majority of the saloonkeepers violated their 
pledge and got back into their diabolical work. 

In January, 1875, the evangelist, Rev. H. H. Wells, D. D. con- 
ducted a daily meeting for us four weeks. There was great 
spiritual quickening in the church and about fifty members were 
added. 

In the spring of 1885 it seemed to me that my work in Logan 
was about done. In April I offered my resignation, requesimg 
to be released in May. A meeting was appointed to consider my 
request. Adjourned for one week without action. At the sec- 
ond meeting a separation was agreed to, naming October 3 1 as 
the time. In July the members of session offered me the month 
of August, five sabbaths, vacation, the first since 1856. I sent 
appointments to vacant country churches in the Presbytery for 
three and four days' sacramental meetings with each. I pre- 
pared a special sermon, Isa. 50: 10, and preached it to each of 
five churches, endeavoring to comfort them and "strengthen the 
things that remain." I greatly enjoyed this vacation, and on the 
last Sabbath of October I preached my last sermon as pastor 
of this church, and ten days later I was moderator of a meetnig 
of the church, at which thev gave a unanimous call to Rev. D. R. 
Moore to become their pastor. The month of November I spent 
with the vacant country churches. The month of December I 
spent at Webster Groves and St. Louis, preaching on each Sab- 
bath Jan. I, 1886, I reached New Orleans, and remamed ten 
davs Visited mv brother at Carrollton, Miss., and had the great 
pleasure of standing in the pulpit I made thirty-two years be- 
fore and preaching in the old church. After a visit of two weeks 
I went to Memphis, Tenn., and engaged in evangelistic work 
for ten davs in Bro. Richardson's church. While in Memphis 1 
was invited to go to Charlestown, Ind., and preach four Sab- 
baths which I did. Then went to Columbus, Ind., and preached 
ten nights and twice Sabbath mornings, and returned to Logan 
April I, having been absent four months, during which time 1 
preached seventy times and traveled over 4,000 miles. 

At the April meeting of Presbytery I agreed to supply two or 
three churches at regular intervals and fill up the balance of my 
time in missionarv work among our vacant country churches. 
This work I continued two and a half years. In one church two 



-96- 

were added, in another four, in another six, in another eighteen. 
But the work seemed to me very unsatisfactory. It was Hke 
spreading the butter so thin that it could scarcely be tasted. In 
September, 1888, the church at North Platte, Neb., invited me 
to spend six months with them. I consented, and left Ohio. Dur- 
ing the thirty years that I had been a member of the Presbytery 
of Athens I had been their Stated Clerk and Treasurer for more 
than twenty years. I was chairman of the Committee on educa- 
tion twelve years, chairman of the Committee of Home Missions 
thirteen years. I was called to prosecute two ministers and one 
elder, and in each case the charges were sustained. I married 
people in seven counties. I preached in every church in the 
Presbytery except two, in some of them from ten to fifty times. 
I was moderator of the Synod one year. The Presbytery sent 
me to the General Assembly three times: Cleveland, 1857; St. 
Louis, 1866; Omaha, 1887, 

I reached North Platte, Neb., on Friday, the latter part of 
October, 1888. On Sabbath we had thirty-six hearers, and sev- 
enty in Sabbath School. We were on the eve of a presidential 
election, and much political excitement. I began pastoral work 
from house to house among church members and Sabbath 
School scholars. The church reported eighty-seven members, 
but I could find only about half that number. By the first of 
January, 1889, our house of worship was well filled, and I be- 
gan a series of meetings, preaching each night for two weeks, 
when we received sixteen members, one man sixty years of age 
and his wife. This man was an old citizen, knew everybody, and 
labored faithfully to bring his old associates to Christ. Ten days 
after the close of this meeting he came to me and said : "You 
closed your meeting too soon ; there is more fruit that ought to 
be gathered in." I then continued meetings every night for ten 
days, when we received about the same number of members as 
before, and soon the Sabbath School was doubled in numbers. 

My six months' engagement expired April 30, 1889. Two days 
later I was installed as pastor. The Lord prospered us during 
the year. Just at the close of December I had a severe attack 
of la grippe, followed with rheumatism. After a month's silence 
I began preaching again, but had nuich suffering, which contin- 
ued with little relief throughout the year. I did my usual preach- 
ing, and we had a few additions to the church, but felt compelled 
to resign. On the last Sabbath of November we received one 
member and I baptized one child, and preached my last sermon' 



-97 — 

as a pastor. We then came to Webster Groves, I\Io., December, 
1890, where our sons gave us an elegant home for our old age. 
Within a year I regained my health, and have preached from fif- 
teen to twenty times each year until I passed by eightieth birth- 'Wvy 
day, since then I have preached but few times. During a min- ^ 
istry of fifty years I have never "candidated" nor asked for a 
pastorate. I have preached about 6,000 times and have reason 
to believe 800 souls were converted. I married about 450 cou- 
ples, and attended about the same number of funerals. I was 
school director two years, school examiner for the county eight 
years, trustee of Wooster University five years. I also superin- 
tended the public schools of Logan two years during the civil 
war. I have taken all the degrees of English Freemasonry, and 
often found it a help among strangers, especially in traveling, 
and have never felt it to be an injury to me. 

As to our family, three sons and three daughters were born to 
us, viz : Edward Studley, born in Carrollton, Miss., March 9, 
1855 ; Horace Pierce, born in Logan, O., March 12, 1858, died 
at seven months; Alice Whipple, born in Logan, O., July 17, 
1859; Mary Pamelia. born in Logan, O., April 17, 1862; Olivia 
Rochester, born in Logan, O., July 10, 1865; Joseph Charles, 
born in Logan, O., Nov. 20, 1866. These were all baptized in in- 
fancy, and all, except the youngest, united with the Presby- 
terian church. 

Edward S. Hart learned the printer's trade with his uncle, R. 
P. Studley, in St. Louis, and became a partner with his uncle. At 
the death of his uncle, November, 1890, he became senior part- 
ner in the business. He is a Mason, a member and trustee of the 
Congregational church. In June, 1881, he was married to JMiss 
Azuba B. Nevius. To them two children were born : Robert 
Studley and Margaret. The son died at the age of eleven years. 
The mother died Feb. 22, 1884. 

Edward S. Hart was married to Miss Florence May Bate, of 
Webster Groves, Mo., May 9, 1897. They have one son, Edward 
Studley Hart, Jr. 

Alice Whipple Hart graduated from Logan High School, 
studied music, privately, under several instructors, and one term 
in the Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati. She was married to 
Mr. Edward A. Gary, Aug. 22, 1882. To them two sons were 



-98- 

born. Edward A., who died in infancy, and Robert liarl Cary. 
They make their home in North Platte, Neb. Mr. Cary is an 
elder in the Presbyterian church, and for ten years has been 
Court Reporter in his judicial district. 

Mary P. Hart graduated from the Logan High School and 
for twelve years was a successful teacher. She is a member of 
the Congregational church and makes her home with her pa- 
rents. 

Olivia Rochester Hart graduated from the Logan High 
School. She also graduated from the Western Female Seminary, 
Oxford, O., in both literary and music departments, and gave 
instruction in music in her alma mater one year. She was mar- 
ried to Mr. Charles B. Todd, of Logan, Sept. i, 1886. They 
have eight children, viz : Harold Hart, Seymour Sttidley, Edward 
Charlton, Mary Olivia, Charles Brooke, Jr., Vernon Cary, David 
Latimore, who died in infancy, and Marshall Fulton. Their home 
is in Webster Groves, Mo. They go to the Congregational 
church. Mr. Todd is employed in the R. P. Studley Company, 
St. Louis. 

Joseph Charles Hart graduated from the Logan Fligh School, 
learned the printer's trade with his brother, is a printer for the 
R. P. Studley Company. He is a member of the Congregational 
church and has his home with his parents. 

Who can duplicate this : In St. Louis. Mo., on the 25th of 
March, 1900, I baptized Robert Braden, Jr., who is the son of 
Robert Braden, Sr., who is the soil of Frank Hart Braden, who 
is the son of Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Braden, who is the daughter 
of Gideon Blackburn Hart, wdio is the son of the patriarch. Jo- 
seph Hart, who is my father. 

Hence Robert Braden, Jr., is in the sixth generation of my 
father. Representatives of five generations were present. 

A true record, made this 29th day of March, 1900, mv eightieth 
birthday. C. C. HART. 

Webster Groves, Mo. 

REV. WILLIAM TAYLOR HART. 

William Taylor Hart was born at the old home. Sand Hill 
farm, in Clay Township, Bartholomew County, Indiana, near the 
present center of population of the United States (1899), Dec. 
8, 1833. He bears the name of his mother's brother — William 
Taylor. 



— 99 — 

Among his earliest recollections are those concerning his 
Grandfather Hart. When he (William) was about six years old 
his great grandfather, Taylor, then 84 years old, came to visit 
Grandfather Hart, who lived at our house, and talic over their 
Revolutionary War experience, they having been in the same 
company and messmates. And when Grandfather Hart was 
wounded at the battle of Cowpens Great Grandfather Taylor 
nursed him. Their war stories were of intense interest to my 
boyish curiosity. 

The first school that I attended was taught by Harvey Sloan. 
The teacher always called me Captain Riley, and the scholars 
for many years called me "T. Hart," because I insisted that my 
name was Wilham T. Hart. Among my other teachers were 
John Foster, two winters ; my father two winters ; a Mr. Doolit- 
tle, who had but one hand ; John Rolston two winters and David 
E. McCauley. In 1850-51 my uncle, C. C. Hart, taught school in 
the old County Seminary in Columbus. I went to school to my 
uncle in the fall and winter of 1850-51, and boarded with David 
Pence, but roomed in the Seminary building with the teacher. 
The next winter I went to school in Columbus to Rev. and Mrs. 
Godden and boarded with David Pence. 

During the winter of 1850, while rooming with my uncle, 
there was a revival of religion in Columbus. Rev. James Brown- 
lee was our pastor. Myself, with many others in the school, , 
were deeply anxious about our souls. One night my uncle left 
me alone, and after a great struggle with myself I accepted of 
Christ as my. Savior and was made happy in His love. In the 
morning my uncle came in early to make the fire and sweep the 
school room, and finding this work done exclaimed, "Why, you 
are up early !" I replied, "I did not go to bed." "What is the 
matter?" he asked. "I have been trying to settle the contro- 
versy between the Lord and myself, and I have made an uncon- 
ditional surrender." In taking this step I was greatly helped by 
the preaching of our pastor, but especially by the prayers and 
counsels of my uncle, and by what he knew of the wish of my 
father and mother. Soon after this I united with the church. I 
was then seventeen years old. Young Christians at that day 
were not given much to do that would develop spiritual life, and 
I made but little progress in Christian life. I attended church 
regularly at Columbus, four miles from home, and I usually rode 
horseback. 



lOO — 



My father being in poor health, I could not attend school in 
the winter of 1853-54, but worked on the farm. Feb. 22, 1854, 
my father died, and as I was the oldest son, the care of farm, 
in a great measure, rested on me. This care I had until the fall 
of 1855. During the winter of 1854-55 I taught a three months' 
subscription school in a log school house one mile north of 
our home. A few days before my father's death he asked me to 
take his place in keeping up family worship. This I did, though 
it was a great cross at first. 

My father was superintendent of the Sunday School in the 
neighborhood, and the first Sabbath after his death it became 
necessary to choose a superintendent. Against my strong pro- 
test, the choice fell on me. And thus I was gradually led into 
Christian work. 

Rev. Henry Little, D. D., of Madison, and others often urged 
upon me the duty of giving myself to the work of the ministry. 
I also knew that this was my mother's wish. After much thought 
and prayer I made the decision and consecration. My brothers, 
Edward and Gideon, being old enough to take care of the farm, 
in September, 1855, I entered the preparatory department of 
Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Ind. For the first two years 
I received some financial aid from home. Afterwards I received 
aid from tlie Presbyterian Board of Education. 

During rny preparatory course I had the care of tlie prepara- 
tory building. I sawed the wood, made the fires, swept the 
room 5 and in this way I paid a large part of my expenses. Two 
years I waited on the table at the hotel for my board, and two 
years I was steward of a boarding club for my board. I also 
took caie of the college hall; sawed wood and did other work, 
and in this way I met most of my expenses. 

One winter I taught school in my native county and boarded 
with Newton Jones, my brother-in-law. At another time I went 
home at the spring vacation and worked on the farm until Sep- 
tember for Newton Jones. One summer's vacation I spent in 
Shelby County. Indiana, laboring for the American Tract So- 
ciety, but the most of the summers I spent at home working on 
the farm. 

June 26, 1861, I graduated from Wabash College, taking the 
degree of A. B. By the faculty of the college I was invited to 
deliver one of the master orations at the commencement of 1864. 
I chose for my subject, "The Westminster Assembly." At this 
time I received the degree of A. M. 



— lOI 



After I graduated, on account of the unsettled state of the 
country and the need of funds, I did not go to the Theological 
Seminary that fall, but taught an eight months' school at Sar- 
dinia, Decatur County, Indiana. As my brothers had gone into 
the army, I spent the summer of 1862 on the farm and taught a 
fall school in Columbus. The way now being open, I went to 
Lane Seminary after the fall term had opened, arriving there on 
my twenty-ninth birthday, Dec. 20, 1862. The next summer I 
spent on the farm. In my senior vacation — 1864 — I preached at 
Wabash, Ind., for Rev. WiUiam Essick, an old college friend. 

I graduated at Lane Seminary May 11, 1865. During my 
senior year I preached at Lebanon, New Richmond and Mor- 
row, O., Jamestown, Ky., and several times at Bethlehem and 
New Washington, Clarke County, Indiana. Through Rev. John 
W. Walter, of Milan, O. — son-in-law of Dr. Allen, of Lane Sem- 
inary — I received an invitation to preach at Lyme, Huron Coun- 
ty, Ohio. I spent the Sabbath, March 6, with that church. Near 
the close of the Seminary year I received a call from that church 
to become their pastor. About the same time I received a sim- 
ilar call from the churches of New Washington and Bethlehem. 
After careful and prayerful consideration, I accepted the call to 
Lyme, and entered upon my work there May 28, 1865. In April, 
1864, I was licensed at Columbus, Ind., by the Presbytery of 
Madison, and on Sept. 11, 1865, I was ordained to the work of 
the gospel ministry at the same place and by the same Presby- 
tery. My uncle. Rev. C. C. Hart, preached the ordination ser- 
mon. 

April 29, 1865, I became engaged to Miss Chloe L. Barbour, 
of Walnut Hills, O. We were married by Rev. C. C. Hart at 
Walnut Hills, Sept. 7, 1865. Miss Barbour was born Nov. 3, 
1845, at Greenwood, 111. At the age of six her parents moved 
to Minnesota. They lived four years in Minneapolis and four 
years at Monticello, 111. In i860 they moved to Cincinnati, O., 
where the daughter attended the Female College, Rev. Geo. M. 
Maxwell, D. D., president. In May, 1865, she graduated from 
the Cincinnati College of Music. She was a member of the 
Presbyterian Church of Walnut Hills and their organist. Durnig 
the greater part of my ministry she has been a most efficient 
helper in church and Sabbath School, especially in infant class 
work and music. After our marriage we visited my mother at 
the Sand Hill farm, and the next day we attended my ordination 
at Columbus, and thence to Lyme. When I began work at Lyme 



I02 



the membership of the church numbered seventy-five. During 
my ministry there several precious revivals were enjoyed, at 
which twenty-five, thirty and fifty were added to the church. I 
remained at Lyme nearly seventeen years. During this time one 
hundred and sixty-eight members were added to the church, one 
hundred and twenty-four on examination, thirty-four by letter. 
At the close of my pastorate the church numbered one hundred 
and twenty-one. The Sabbath School had been doubled. Ninety 
per cent of the school were adults, and ninety per cent of the con- 
gregation were regular attendants of the Sabbath School. This 
church was organized on the "Plan of Union" for Presbyterian 
and Congregational members. In 1873 it became a Congrega- 
tional church. I continued to serve the church until September, 
1881, but still retained my membership in Presbytery. 

I received a call to the pastorate of the churches of Bloom- 
ville and Melmore, which I accepted, and was installed in No- 
vember, 1881, My uncle, Rev. C. C. Hart, preached the installa- 
tion sermon. I served these churches four and a half years. 
During this time ninety-seven members were received, sixty-nine 
on examination and twenty-eight by letter. The churches were 
increased, one from seventy-five to one hundred ; the other from 
sixty to seventy members. Sabbath Schools increased also. 

In the spring of 1886 I accepted a call to the church at Huron, 
Erie County, Ohio, in the bounds of the Presbytery of Huron. 
The other three churches of which I have been pastor were also 
in the bounds of this Presbytery. During the thirteen years I 
have been pastor at Huron the church has grown from a mem- 
bership of ninety-eight to two hundred and fifteen. Two hundred 
and twelve have been received to membership ; one hundred and 
sixty-six on examination, forty-six by letter. The enrollment in 
the Sabbath School is three hundred and ninety-two. There 
have been one hundred and fifty-one baptisms ; sixty adults and 
ninety-one children. 

During the thirty-five years of my ministry I have preached 
3,821 sermons, married 156 couples and attended 420 funerals. 
Three times I have been moderator of the Presbytery. Three 
times I have represented the Presbytery in the General Assem- 
bly : In 1869, the year of the reunion at New York, in May, and 
at Pittsburg in October; in 1885 at Cincinnati, and in 1893 at 
Washington, D. C. 

We have four children, two daughters and two sons, viz : Alice 
Hart, born at Lyme, July 25, 1866. She united with the church 



— I03 — 

at the age of ten. Graduated from the Western Female Sem- 
inary, Oxford, O., June, 1887, and was married by her father to 
Mr. Elwin Little, of Hayes City, Kan., December, 1889. They 
have three children: Elwin, born Nov. 15, 1890; Kenneth Sada, 
born July 21, 1892; and Constance, born Aug. 26, 1895. 

Sada Hart was born at Lyme, Aug. 5, 1872. She united with 
the churcli at ten years of age. Graduated from the Western Fe- 
male Seminary, June, 1891. In the fall and winter of 1892-93 
she taught in Sumter, S. C., in a school of the Freedmen's Board. 
June 19, 1895, she was married to Mr. Edward Powel Childs, of 
Granville, 6., by her father. Rev. E. W. Childs, father of the 
bridegroom, assisted in the ceremony. Mr. Childs taught two 
years in the High School in Pueblo, Col. He is now Professor 
of Physics and Chemistry in the State University of New Mex- 
ico, at Albuquerque. They have three children, one son and two 
daughters: Edward Powel, born in Hayes City, Kan., May 27, 
1896; Margaret, born at Pueblo, Col., Dec. 5, 1897; and Kathar- 
ine, born in Albuquerque, Feb. 26, 1899. 

Edward Gideon Hart was born at Lyme, Aug. 6, 1880. At 
ten years of age he united with the Presbyterian church. The 
year 1896-7 he attended the High School at Sandusky, O. In 
1897-8 he attended the High School at Pueblo, Col. He is now 
(1899) a student in the University at Albuquerque, N. M. 

Harry William Hart was born in Bloomville, O., Sept. 23, 
1883. He united with the Presbyterian church at ten years of 
age. He has just completed, June, 1899, his second year in Hu- 
ron High School. 

Our children were all baptized in infancy, were all converted 
in their youth and have all been active, consistent Christians. 

WILLIAM TAYLOR HART. 

Huron, O., July 24, 1899. 



REV. G. A. MATHES. 

George Anderson Mathes, a native of JefTerson County, Ten- 
nessee, was born Aug. 21, 1809, and died at Rogersville, Tenn., 
March 30, 1846, in the thirty-seventh year of his age. 

He was educated at Maryville College, in East Tennessee, un- 
der the tuition of Rev. Dr. Isaac Anderson, a celebrated preacher 
and teacher in those times. He was a young man of great prom- 
ise, of more than ordinary intellect, a high-toned gentleman of 



— I04 — 

strictest integrity, with a profo\ind sense of his obHgation to 
God and man ; of whom Dr. Anderson used to say : "He is a 
coming giant." On April 7, 1836, in his twenty-seventh year, 
George A. Mathes was married to Miss Nancy ShankUn Hart, 
daughter of Edward Hart, of Blount County, Tennessee. To 
them were born three daughters : Serena Judson, who died in in- 
fancy ; Mary Jane, who married Mr. James Chandler, and moved 
to Arkansas, where they both died, leaving no living children ; 
Margaret, who married Mr. Samuel Foster, a farmer of Blount 
County, Tennessee, and moved to CofTee County, Tennessee, 
where they both died. 

After a thorough course of academical and theological studies 
Mr. Mathes was ordained as a Presbyterian minister. His only 
pastorate was at Rogersville, Tenn. His labors were greatly 
blessed. He was greatly loved by the people, and had every rea- 
sonable prospect of taking high rank in the ministry. He was 
a very affectionate son, and till near the close of his life seemed 
more concerned foi his widowed mother than for himself, and 
often wrote to her most tender and affectionate letters. He con- 
tracted consumption, and for several months was a great sufferer. 
His end was peace with God and man. 

This short sketch was prepared by Rev. N. Beecher Mathes, 
September, 1899. 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. WILLIAM ALFRED 

MATHES. 

By His Son, Rev. N. Beecher Mathes. 

William Alfred Mathes was born Sept. 28, 1814, in Jefferson 
County, Tennessee. At the age of twenty-three he was mar- 
ried to Miss Margaret Maria Hart, daughter of Edward Hart, 
of Blount County, Tennessee. They had eight children, all of 
whom lived to adult age, except one ; and are as follows : James 
Harvey, Nancy Elizabeth, George Anderson, Rachel Emaline, 
WiUiam Edward Hart, John Theron, Nathaniel Beecher, Cor- 
delia Josephine. Mr. Mathes started out in life as a farmer, but 
before very long turned his attention to a vocation better suited 
to his talents and temperament. He was at different times em- 
ployed by the American Tract Society, American Sunday School 
Union and American Bible Society, and also in distributing re- 
ligious literature, organizing Sunday Schools, making temper- 



I05 



ance addresses and ministering to the afflicted the consolations 
of the Christian religion. In this way he spent the best years 
of his life. In this work he canvassed very thoroughly several 
counties in Tennessee and Arkansas. He thus picked up a large 
fund of useful information on a great variety ot subjects, and 
accomplished much good. 

His education in youth was Hmited to the common schools of 
those early times, but he was a close student of the Bible, had 
been accustomed to the best preaching from childhood up, and 
few men of his acquaintance were better posted on religious sub- 
jects than he was. 

When about sixty years of age it occurred to him that he 
ought to become a preacher of the Gospel. He had serious 
thoughts on this subject long before, and had been doing re- 
ligious work publicly all the time ; but as his education had not 
been directed in those channels required of the ministry in the 
Presbyterian church, of which he was a member, he decided to 
cast his lot with the Cumberland Presbyterians, and by them he 
was Hcensed and ordained in 1875. He preached wherever there 
was an opportunity, sent appointments to remote school houses, 
conducted protracted meetings alone and in conjunction with 
other ministers, and filled appointments for others; but never 
took regular charge of any particular church. At the age of 
sixty-seven he lost his wife. This left him entirely alone, as all 
his children had long since scattered from home. 

He married a second time, Miss Harriet E. Edgar, an elderly 
lady, well suited to his temperament and condition in life. Mr. 
Mathes had been in delicate health since early manhood, and as 
infirmities increased and old age crept upon him, he conceived 
the idea of building a chapel on his own land and near his own 
door, where he could preach and hold Sunday School and have 
others preach. This he did, raising the funds and overseeing the 
work in person. After a year or so the chapel upon which he 
had sper.t so much labor and thought and prayer was burned to 
the giound. This was a great grief to him, as he was now quite 
old and feeble. But though cast down, not discouraged, he im- 
mediately set to work to rebuild the chapel, which was accom- 
plished, notwithstanding the difficulties usually attending such 
enterprises, his faith and energy never faltered. For a number of 
years it was his habit to celebrate his birthday by holding relig- 
ious service in the chapel (called for him "Mathes' Chapel ). 
Sometimes a sermon was preached by a minister invited before- 



— io6 — 

hand, addresses were made by laymen, and then he would relate 
his spiritual condition, give expression to his hopes and exhort 
the young and unconverted to walk in the ways of righteous- 
ness. Or if those invited failed to be present, he would conduct, 
the entire service himself. On these occasions he would take a 
number of his special friends home with him to dinner. These 
seasons were very precious to him and, towards the last, very 
aflfecting to all present. 

He outlived all of his father's family, buried a beloved Vv^ife 
and infant daughter, two grown sons and a grown daughter. He 
had many other trials and sore conflicts. Strange that one ap- 
parently so frail could hold on to life so long and accomplish so 
much. 

Jonesboro, Ga., April lo, 1899. 

P. S. — After months of Ungering illness, this man of God en- 
tered into rest Sept. 26, 1899, lacking two days of eighty-five 
years of earthly life. "Blessed are the dead which die in the 
Lord from henceforth; yea saith the Spirit, that they may rest 
from their labors ; and their works do follow them." — C. C. H., 
Jan. 25, 1900. 



REV. ROBERT HERVEY HOOKE. 

John P. Hooke and Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Hart, 
were married May 15, 1849, at the family homestead of the 
Harts, three and one-half miles northeast of Maryville, Blount 
County, East Tennessee. I was born April 6, 1850, four miles 
east of Maryville, and remained on my father's farm until I grew 
to manhood. My father inherited his farm from his grandfather, 
Robert Hooke, who received the title to it from the govern- 
ment. All my ancestors on both sides, as far back as I can 
learn, were members of the Presbyterian church, except my 
grandmother on my father's side. 

The civil war and the disturbance immediately preceding it de- 
prived me of many advantages of early education, I being the 
oldest of six children. My father not being able for service in the 
Union army, and not willing to serve the Confederate cause, was 
subject to be conscripted into the Rebel army, he was in hid- 
ing from the conscript officers for eleven months. This left me, 
at the age of thirteen, with the care of the family, and the farm 
to manage and work as best I could. With what help my mother 



— I07 — 

and my brother, two years younger than myself, and a day or 
two when my father dared to venture out, we made a good crop 
in 1863, the most of which, by force, was taken to help supply 
one army or the other, for each seemed to be needy and did not 
hesitate to take, without permission, whatever they could get. I 
was arrested by General John Morgan's men for hiding horses 
and held for eight hours ; and on the next day was hemmed in 
by General Joe Wheeler's men and lay hid in the weeds and 
grass within one hundred feet of the road while the entire com- 
mand passed by. A Lieutenant and orderly and ten men passed 
within forty feet of where I lay. They were getting apples on 
the first of September, 1863. At another time I played sick to 
Prevent General Wheeler's men from taking me with them. Thus 
I was often in hiding or fleeing to prevent the Confederates from 
getting me. 

After the war was over everything was so devastated that we 
had but few advantages in the w^ay of schools. The terms were 
so short that it took half the time to get up to where we left 
off ten months before, so that my early education was much neg- 
lected. 

In the fall of 1865 I accepted Christ as my Savior and joined 
New Providence Presbyterian Church, of which my father was, 
and still is, an elder. In September, 1869, my brother Albert 
and I entered the preparatory department of ]\Iaryville College 
in the same class, walking from home, a distance of four miles. 
Thus walking between eight and nine miles every school day for 
four years. After this we rented a room in town and did our 
own cooking for eighteen months. At this time our sisters en- 
tered the preparatory department of the college. We rented 
rooms and they did the cooking for us all. ^My brother and I. 
after many journeys to and from home, many hardships, some 
delays in the way, graduated in the class of 1874, receiving the 
degree of A. B. We worked on the farm nearly every Saturday 
during school months and every summer between school terms. 
In this wav we obtained our college education. 

After graduating from college I worked on the farm for my 
father two years, except three months, when I taught school on 
Willams Creek, near the spot where the patriarch, my great 
grandfather, Joseph Hart, camped the first night after leavmg 
the old home, September, 182 1. 

January 3. 1876, I entered the Theological Seminary. Danville. 
Ky My brother Albert had entered four months before. We 



— io8 — 

pursued our studies in the same class and completed the course 
in 1878, when I returned home, and on the last of May, after 
four hours' examination by the Presbytery of Kingston, I was 
licensed to preach. (My brother Albert was licensed at the same 
time.) Thus my brother and I pursued our classical and theo- 
logical course together, and were licensed together. From that 
time our lives have been separated. 

On Aug. 25, 1878, I was ordained by the Presbytery of King- 
ston as an evangelist, that I might go to Texas on missionary 
work. But before I could get away the yellow fever at Chatta- 
nooga and other points was so prevalent that the quarantine pre- 
vented my getting through the lines ; and I continued to work on 
my father's farm that summer and fall, preaching occasionally for 
some of the brethren. In January, 1879, ^ commenced in St. 
Paul's Presbyterian Church, Hambler County, East Tennessee, 
a series of evangeHstic meetings that continued three weeks, 
preaching morning and evening. The Spirit was poured out, 
the people confessed their sins, confessed wrongs done to each 
other during the war, forgave each other, renewed their cove- 
nant vows, a number confessed Christ and united with the 
church. 

After this I began missionary work in Knoxville, Tenn., un- 
der the direction of the Second Church. I preached at Erin, 
seven miles west of Knoxville, on one Sabbath morning (going 
on foot) and in one of the city mission churches in the evening. 
On the alternate Sabbath I preached at New Prospect, four miles 
out, in the morning, preaching in the evening to another church 
in the city. I supplied these churches and chapels until August, 
1880. Each year I spent several weeks in evangelistic labors in 
this field, in which time over one hundred members were added 
to the churches. I then offered myself to the Board of Home 
Missions for work in the West. I was commissioned to go to 
Flandreau, Dakota Territory, which place I reached Nov. 11, 
1880, where I made my home. Here I preached on alternate 
Sabbaths, morning and evening, and in the afternoon at some 
school house. On the alternate Sabbath I preached at Dell 
Rapids, twenty miles distant, for one year. I built a church at 
Flandreau, one also at Dell Rapids. I also organized a church at 
Coleman. By this time the work was so great and the demands 
for preaching so numerous, I asked the Board to send a man to 
Dell Rapids and Coleman. 



— I09 — 

During the winter of 1880-81 the snow was so deep and the 
bhzzards so numerous that the railroad trains did not make any 
regular trips from Christmas until May, 1881. And there was 
no train of any kind from February 14 to April 20. The supply 
of fuel was so short that many burned hay all winter. This was 
prepared by twisting it up in balls, six or seven inches in 
diameter, and placing two or three balls in an air-tight stove. 
Some families would go to bed at dark and remain there until 
daylight, and in this way save fuel and light. Just four months 
after I arrived at Flandreau, and during a severe blizzard, Mr. 
Isaac B. Taylor's residence, where I roomed and boarded, was 
destroyed by fire, in which I lost my entire Hbrary, including 
notes of lectures received at the Theological Seminary. This 
was on March 12, 1881, more than a month before the snow be- 
gan to break up. The snow averaged from three to four feet all 
Sver the whole country. The drifts in some places were over the 
tops of the telegraph poles. I preached in school houses when 
the only fuel was twisted hay. The stove would be filled before 
preaching, I would then preach from twenty-five to thirty-five 
minutes, the service concluded, and all returned home, thankmg 
God for His goodness. Although the mercury was often forty 
degrees below zero, I missed only one Sabbath's appomtment. 
Sometimes I went with the mail carrier, when he dared to ven- 
ture out When he did not go, I sometimes went on horseback, 
if a horse could get through the snowdrifts. When all these 
failed I went on foot, and often came home from a twenty-mile 
trip, and sometimes forty miles, with my feet sore and bleeding 
from walking through the crusts of snow. Provisions of all 
kinds were scarce and held at enormous prices. Eggs were htty 
cents per dozen and could not be had at that. At one time I had 
a sleigh and two horses to go to the river for flour. But at times 
I had to get out and lead the horses with a long rope to get 
them through the drifts. When the snow melted towards the last 
of April, the water was so abundant that I had to try the swini- 
min^ process. I would swim my horse across the creeks, get ott 
pull ofY my shoes and socks, and sometimes pantaloons and 
drawers, wring the water out of them, put them on and go on my 
way I always carried my Bible with me. and when I went n 
swimming I held it in my'left hand while I guided my horse with 
the other. I held sway over a large territory^Thirty-two miles 
west was the nearest Presbyterian minister. On the northwest, 
sixty miles; southeast, fortv miles; one hundred miles cast, an- 



I lO 

other; northeast, sixty miles; eighty miles to another on tLv; 
north. 

After securing- a man for the churches at Dell Rapids and 
Coleman, I preached at Flandreau twice each Sabljath, and in the 
afternoon at some school house. Thus preaching and working 
up the field. To do this I sometimes drove from fourteen to 
thirty-two miles and preached three times each Sabbath. 

About the last of November, 1882, I gave up work at Flan- 
dreau and went northwest two hundred miles to Columbia, just 
at the junction of several settlements. 1 preached at Columbia, 
Ordway, seven miles distant ; Groton, twenty miles off ; Free- 
port, twenty-five miles, as regularly as I could, working and or- 
ganizing churches at Columbia, Groton and Freeport. I contin- 
ued to supply these churches for awhile as best I could, but the 
results were so unsatisfactory to myself, and so many of other 
churches coming in, that I lost some of the churches I had or- 
ganized, through men of no principle and but httle religion. 

In the spring of 1884 I left this field and commenced work at 
several points forty miles further north. Here I had a triangular 
field, but I spent much time preaching at little towns springing 
up where it was supposed railroads would be built. I preached in 
school houses, sod houses, hotels, unfinished dwellings, un- 
finished stores, in part of a saloon. Wherever I could find a place 
large enough to hold a small congregation, there I preached. I 
preached in many little towns, in some I organized churches. But 
with the building of the railroad many of the towns were moved 
to the railroad, and some of the church organizations were thus 
broken up. I saw that hundreds and thousands of people were 
coming in and settling on claims. Beginning May i, 1884, I con- 
tinued this work until August, 1886, twenty-seven months. Dur- 
ing this time I traveled with a small horse and buggy nearly 
13,000 miles, much of the time over the broad, trackless prairie, 
when there was a great rush to see who could locate the first 
claim and build a shanty on it. I usually stopped at 
night wherever I could find lodging, but sometimes I 
had to travel all night, or sleep in or under my buggy. 
On Dec. 21, 1884, I preached twice, drove twelve miles, 
with the thermometer below zero, and snowing most of 
the time. Before I could reach my hotel I was caught 
in a blizzard and had to accept lodging on the prairie for the 
night, without dinner or supper. After wandering about for an 
hour I came to a small sod liouse, which I broke open, led my 



Ill 



horse in and closed the door behind us. Here I spent the night, 
tramping up and down, standing on my feet, for there was not 
room for either myself or horse to lie down safely. The night 
passed ; joyfully the morning came. The mercury stood at thirty- 
six below zero when I came out of thirteen hours of total dark- 
ness. My feet and legs were so cold that I could scarcely move 
my joints below my hips. My feet were so badly frozen that I 
did not put on a shoe for three months. Two sermons, fifteen 
miles' drive, mercury below zero all day, snowing most of the 
time, caught in a blizard, an awful night in the dark, twenty-four 
hours without food for self or horse — experiences not to be re- 
peated. 

After preaching every night for six weeks at Hudson, I or- 
ganized a church. In these meetings we had Swedes,_ Nor- 
wegians, Danes, Germans, Scotch, Canadians and Americans- 
all singing at the same time, each in his own native tongue, the 
wonderful story of redemption in the Gospel hymns. And if a,ny 
desired to speak or pray, they used their native language. (See 
Acts 2: 5-12.) Such meetings I never enjoyed before and can 
hardly expect to experience again, so great was the interest, so 
many nationalities represented, that it seemed a pentecostal sea- 
son. Here I buiU a church and school house combined, which 
is used as such yet. In October, 1886, I began preaching at a 
railroad crossing, five miles north of Hudson. I preached in a 
building without doors or sash. Two women and twenty-five 
men were present, and it was so cold that I requested the men 
to keep their hats on. Here I organized a church in 1887 and the 
next year I built a house of worship. I also preached at Oakes 
and Sweden. For awhile I lived at Hudson, and then moved to 
Oakes, where I owned a small house of two rooms. I have been 
in storms, bhzzards and cyclones, in one of which the top of my 
bucrgv was wrcnclK.d oft"; in another I was almost thrown out of 
it ^ l' have seen the thermometer mark fifty-six degrees below 
zero several times. I have been in hunger and pain. At one time 
I was so hard pressed, money all exhausted, that T had to mort- 
gage my horse and buggy to secure the means for daily living 
About the time of the adoption of the State constitution, and 
afterwards, the temperance question, or rather the saloon ques- 
tion, deeply agitated the public mind. The saloon men honored 
my work by threatening my life. They said I would be killed if 
I did not mind my own business and let theirs a one.^^ At one 
time I was threatened with a "coat of tar and feathers. At an- 



112 



Other with 'dynamite and a blowing up." At another, "If Hooke 
knew what was good for him, he would let us alone." At an- 
other time the saloon men held a secret meeting and selected a 
man to kill me. Soon after this a saloon man hailed me on the 
street about something I should have said in a sermon In the 
conversation that followed I kept cool, but told him I knew they 
had threatened my life at various times and in different ways 
but you don t dare to do it. Your business makes you cowards' 
You dare not meet me face to face like men, but vou would 
sneak around the corner and shoot me when I am' alone Or 
you wdl hire some one else to do it. No one but a coward will 
do this. I am not afraid of you or any of your associates. My 
door IS unlocked many a time all nigln. It is not you men that 
I hght, but your business; and I shall never cease 'fighting that 
You may kill me, but that won't help your business. It was after 
t us conversation that I heard of the secret meeting in which 
they hired a man to kill me. Their man became alarmed, and 
thinking the secret was out, fled from the country. This plan for 
kil ing me was heard by a man in an adjoining room, with only 
a thin board partition, and that did not reach to the ceiHng and 
thus he heard every word that was said. I believe it was the con- 
versation I had with the saloon man on the street that made 
them weaken and saved my life. After that there were no more 
tlireats that I heard of, but I fought the saloons all the same. 
I he man that I had the conversation with I afterwards prose- 
cuted for violating the liquor law, and finally secured his con- 
viction and had him placed under bonds not to engage in the 
liquor business again. All of which cost him not less Than Si coo 
I was through all this saloon battle previous to March, 1887 and 
1 believe I did as much as any man in North Dakota 10 carry the 
State for constitutional prohibition." 

In April, 1887, I became acquainted with Miss \'iola A Knox 
a young lady from Altoona. Pa., who was keeping house for her 

at" '^'ooo^''- ^^°''^^ ^^"°''' °^ ^"^^^"^^ City. la. On the 15th of 
May, 1888, we were married at her father's home in Altoona 
After visiting for a short time among friends in Tennessee and 
Indiana, we reached Oakcs, N. D., June 2q. 1887. and were wel- 
comed with an ovation. We began housekeeping in our house 
of two rooms. I afterwards built a house, two stories, and four 
rooms During these eleven years I organized seven churches, 
opened the way for organizing three others, built and dedicated 
three houses of worship, and assisted in the dedication of two 



— 113 — 

others, made a vigorous and successful fight for constitutional 
prohibition and married a wife. (Good for eleven years, brother. 
May your future years be as fruitful and more peaceful. — C. C. 
H.) 

Having accepted a call to the church at Kentland, Presbytery 
of Logansport, Indiana, we left Dakota in December, 1891. I 
preached at Kentland three years. Here I built a fine manse 
and greatly improved things in general. I also preached for a 
Reformed Presbyterian Church, eight miles distant, on alternate 
Sabbath afternoons. In 1895 I engaged in some general mis- 
sionary work in Indiana. In October, 1896, I accepted a call to 
the pastorate of the "Old Indiana and Upper Indiana Churches." 
I entered on this work at once. We moved into the manse at 
"Old Indiana Church," six miles from Vincennes, our postoffice. 

At all the places where I have preached any length of time 
the church has been greatly benefited and souls have been led 
to confess Christ. We have no children. 

Old Indiana Church Manse, July, 1900. 

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. ALBERT 

MELVILLE HOOKE. ' 

My parents were John Purvis and Mary Elizabeth Hooke, nee 
Hart, daughter of Edward Hart. I was born Oct. 19, 1851, on a 
farm four miles east of Maryville, East Tennessee, a part of the 
same which my great grandfather, Robert Hooke, purchased in 
the early settlement of East Tennessee, and which my father 
still owns. My great grandfather was one of the first elders of 
New Providence Church in Maryville, and my father succeeded 
him, and is now the senior elder in the church. The most pre- 
cious memory of my childhood is our Christian home, daily fam- 
ily worship, regular attendance at church and a holy keeping 
of the Sabbath day. My childhood and youth were spent in at- 
tending the country schools during a part of the autumn and 
winter, and working on the farm the rest of the year. 

In 1867 my brother Robert and myself entered the prepara- 
tory department of Maryville College. We went from home, walk- 
ing eight miles each day, doing our share of morning and even- 
ing chores and reciting every morning at eight o'clock. When 
we entered the freshman class we secured a room in town, went 
from home Monday morning, kept house through the week and 



— 114 — 

returned home Friday evening, ready for work on Saturday. 
During our junior year our sisters, Ada and Arena, entered col- 
lege and kept house for us. For seven years Robert and myself 
attended college in term time and worked on father's farm dur- 
ing vacations, graduating in 1874. I worked on the farm through 
the summer and taught school during the autumn and a part of 
the winter of 1874-5, and returning home, worked on the farm 
the following spring and summer, studying law in the meantime. 
I cannot remember the time when I did not yearn for a Chris- 
tian hope and experience, though the way seemed dark till I 
was eighteen years of age. During a revival in the church and 
college (1869) I united with the church. From the age of ten 
years, when I read the life of Henry Martyn, I felt that if ever 
I became a Christian I must enter the ministry ; but wlien I 
united with the church an overwhelming sense of unfitness 
seemed to bar the way to gospel ministry, and for five years I 
strove to put it out of mind. In tlie summer of 1875, however, 
I yielded to the voice of duty and entered the Theological Sem- 
inary of Danville, Ky., September, 1875, and graduated from 
the same in 1878, having spent the first vacation as colporteur 
of the Shelby County (Kentucky) Bible Society, and the second 
vacation in preaching at New Castle, Ky. I was licensed by 
Union Presbytery in May, 1878, in the chapel of Maryville Col- 
lege, at the close of the college year. On July 19, same year, 
I took charge of the Second Church of Bowling Green, Ky., 
and was ordained by the Presbytery of Louisville in November, 
1879. In 1880 I received a call from the church in Greenville, 
Tenn., which I accepted, and began work there October i, and 
remained two years as stated supply. Through the solicitation 
of Dr. Walker, Synodical Missionary of Missouri, I visited that 
State in October, 1882. But seeing no encouraging outlook in 
the field to which I was sent, I returned to Bowling Green ; and 
in January, 1883, I resumed labor as stated supply of the Second 
Church. In 1884-5 ^ ^^'^s Professor of English Language and 
Literature and of Mental and Moral Science in Ogden College, 
Bowling Green, Ky. 

In 1886 I received a call to the pastorate of the church in Blue 
Spring, Neb., Presbytery of Nebraska City, which I accepted, 
and labored with that church two years. In 1888 I was called to 
Clinton, Ind., in the Presbytery of Crawfordsville, where I la- 
bored three years. During these three years the church secured 
a manse, a church was organized at Dana, an outpost fifteen 



"5 



miles distant, and which grew to fifty-two members. There was 
general prosperity in the field. From 1891 to 1895 I was pas- 
tor of the churches of Waveland and Bethany, same Presbytery. 
My health failing, I was compelled to suspend the work of the 
ministry for a time, and for the last three years I have been on 
a farm two miles from Bowling Green, Ky., preaching as oppor- 
tunity ofifered, 

I was married to Miss Laura Clark, of Bowling Green, Ky., 
Nov. 30. 1881. We have five children: Clark Purvis, born Dec. 
16, 1882; Wishard, born Sept. 26, 1885; May Genevieve, born 
Aug. 31, 1887; J. Wendell, born Oct. 3, 1889; Virginia Joy, born 
July 3, 1893. Our children are at home with us. They have 
been born, baptized and bred within the pale of the Presbyterian 
church, though none of them have assumed Christian vows per- 
sonally. They have attended the public and city schools ever 
since they were old enough to enter. It is our desire to give 
them a college education, and thus fit them for the Lord's work. 

ALBERT MELVILLE HOOKE. 
BowHng Green, Ky., Feb. 3, 1899. 

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF N. BEECHER 

MATHES. 

Nathaniel Beecher Mathes, son of Rev. W. A. and M. M. 
(Hart) Mathes, grandson of Edward Hart, and great-grandson of 
Joseph Hart, was born near Dandridge, Jefferson County, Ten- 
nessee, July 9, 1855. With the exception of nine months, most 
of which was spent with his brother Edward in Middle Tennes- 
see, he remained at home, on the farm, till he was twenty-two 
years of age. During his childhood he attended the common 
schools of the neighborhood for two or three months durmg 
the winter. At the age of seventeen he spent six months in the 
High School at Mount Horeb, near his father's home, under the 
instruction of Samuel Anderson, M. D. Later on he attended 
school at the same place for two months, when his teacher was 
Professor G. A. Zirkle, a graduate of Kings College. Bristol, 
Tenn. Within the next two years he spent fifteen months in 
Maury Academy at Dandridge, Tenn., under Professor ^\ . K. 
Marard, as assistant teacher, and teaching school himself during 
vacations. From the age of seventeen he paid his own tuition 



— ii6 — 

and met most of his expenses. To do this he practiced the most 
rigid economy. At times he had scarcely enough nourishing 
food to preserve good health and strength, but never permitted 
anything to hinder procuring that upon which his heart was set 
— a thorough education. In the summer of 1881 he attended 
one term of the State Normal School at Knoxville, and soon 
after was elected associate principal of Maury Academy. Here 
he taught one term. In December of that year his mother died. 
He had long wanted to try his fortune in other States, but re- 
mained near home on account of his mother. Feeling now that 
the strongest tie that bound him to his native heath was severed, 
he went to Hempstead County, Arkansas, where he taught 
school eight months. This was in 1882. He next went to Coles 
County, Illinois, and engaged in teaching. To better prepare 
himself for such work, early in 1883 he spent one term in the 
Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. Then he went 
back to Illinois, took work on a farm in the summer and fall 
and taught again in the winter. This brings us to speak of his 
call to the ministry and preparation for this work. His parents 
had from early childhood desired to see him become a preacher 
and mentioned the subject to him more than once. But he had 
no inclination in that direction at first. By the time he reached 
his twentieth year he had decided to be a physician, and held to 
this idea quite a while. Then the career of a lawyer allured him, 
or something else foreign to the ministry, so that his mind was 
unsettled. From the first he had determined never to accept aid 
from any one in prosecuting his studies. Hence his education, 
for want of means, w^as retarded. 

While in this unsettled state of mind he received what was, to 
him, a remarkable intimation of the divine will. He had two 
brothers that were not Christians, and for whose conversion he 
had prayed for years. He now made a vow that if God would 
save them he would at once enter upon any work that Provi- 
dence might point out to him. In a few day's after making this 
vow the glad news came that those brothers had accepted Christ 
as their Savoir. This rather strange experience led nun to give 
himself unreservedly to the Lord, though not fully assured that 
he was wanted in the ministry. It is proper to state here that 
about this time his father joined the Cumberlands, and a great 
"split" occurred in the old home church, and that he also joined 
that denomination. It is also proper to state that wdiile in Illi- 
nois the Lord gave him a very dear lady friend, of mature age, 



— 117- 

who acted the part of mother and sister, and often urged the 
claims of the ministry upon him. 

Soon after he had been made wilHng to do whatever the Lord 
would have him to do, the Cumberland Presbytery held their 
semi-annual meeting. His good friend, Mrs. M. A. Bryden, 
urged him to attend, as she had friends at the place of meeting 
and would go herself. He went ; an opportunity was given to 
any who desired to converse with the Presbytery on the sub- 
ject of a call to the ministry. Young Mathes went forward and 
was taken under care of the Presbytery as a candidate for the 
ministry. This was in the spring of 1883, in Bethany, 111. He 
sustained his relation to that Presbytery one year, but not re- 
ceiving the encouragement he expected in regard to further 
preparation for the ministry, he returned to Tennessee, intend- 
ing to take a course at Maryville College. On his way he 
stopped at McMinnville, Tenn., to visit his sister, Mrs. Barton. 
The pastor of the Presbyterian Church, not knowing that he was 
a member of the Cumberland church, urged the claims of the 
Southwestern University, of Clarksville, Tenn. (Presbyterian), 
upon him. After studying over the matter for a week, Mr. 
Mathes consented to change his church relation to that of the 
Presbyterian (Old School). 

A meeting of the Presbytery of Nashville was held at McMinn- 
ville, and young Mathes was taken under the care of Presbytery 
in July, 1884. with arrangements to enter the university at 
Clarksville the following September, with such aid as their 
Board of Education could give. At Clarksville, with his pre- 
vious advanced studies, he was enabled to complete the academic 
and theological course in four years. During this period he was 
an active member of the Young Men's Christian Association, 
and its president at one time, and did some excellent work m 
Mission Sunday Schools. He was one of the best singers m 
the University, and during vacations taught vocal music, and in 
this way paid part of his current expenses. 

His third vacation (1887) was spent in charge of the church 
at Pass Christian, Miss., for which he received $50 per month 
and traveling expenses. He finished his course at the University 
in the class of 1888. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Nash- 
ville, in the City of Nashville, Tenn., June 12, 1888. and in a few 
days after took charge of the West End Church. Atlanta. C.a. 
This was a small organization, owning a lot, but havmg no house 
of worship. During the fall a chapel was built and the congre- 



— ii8 — 

gation increased. In the spring of 1889 Mr. Mathes was or- 
dained to the full work of the ministry by the Presbytery of At- 
lanta. He remained with this church seven years and five 
months. The membership was largely increased, a two-story 
building had been erected, but not finished. The pastor's health 
was greatly impaired and a change of fields of labor became im- 
perative. He resigned his pastorate at West End Dec. i, 1895, 
and at once took charge of a group of churches in Clayton Coun- 
ty, Georgia, with headquarters at Jonesboro. His health soon 
improved, and his work, for the most part, has always been suc- 
cessful, both in the pulpit and in his pastoral duties. 

June 28, 1893, Mr, Mathes was married to Miss Cora Blanche 
Clarke, of Atlanta, Ga., who has been in every sense a helpmeet 
for his ministerial work, as well as a devoted wife. They have 
two children: Margaret Amanda, born June 6, 1895, and lived 
only one month; William Clarke, born Aug. 9, 1897, a robust, 
promising child, whose parents have consecrated him to the 
Lord in the gospel ministry. 

Mr. Mathes' conversion occurred in his eleventh year, during 
a protracted meeting in Mount Horeb Church, near his father's 
home, conducted by Rev. W. H. Lyle, the pastor. He was a 
child of the covenant, and had been carefully trained in the 
Presbyterian faith ; and often, from childhood, had deep convic- 
tion for sin. At this meeting there was an "anxious seat," filled 
with youths and adults, crying aloud for mercy. The little ten- 
year-old boy looked on at first with interest and childish won- 
der, but at this particular time felt very little concern for his 
soul's salvation. These scenes were repeated for several days, 
till finally his mother, a godly woman, left her seat and went to 
him, a tear in her eye and a tremor in her voice, very quietly 
asked him to go forward to the "anxious seat." There was a 
moment's hesitation on his part, when she remarked : "You need 
to go as much as any of the rest." That glistening tear, that 
trembling voice, that one earnest word, was the chosen instru- 
ment that shot conviction quite through his soul. He went for- 
ward, and the next day found peace in trusting in Christ and 
joined the church. His father, on account of his extreme youth, 
asked him if he had not better wait some little time before join- 
ing the church, and referred to the fact that he himself had post- 
poned the matter six months after he thought he had found the 
Savior. The little boy said no, he wanted to join the church at 
once ; and has never regretted the step he then took. Since 



— 119 — 

then he has passed through many and sore conflicts, and has 
sometimes fallen before the enemy, but has never doubted his ac- 
ceptance with God, and still lives to thank God for a pious an- 
cestry, for Presbyterian training and for what God did for him 
through his mother that day in the old Mount Horeb meeting- 
house. 

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. JOHN SAM- 
UEL EAKIN. 

I was born near Maryville, Blount County, East Tennessee, 
Nov. 22, 1867. My father's name is John Wickliff Eakin. My 
mother's maiden name was Hetty Ann Hart, daughter of Ed- 
ward Hart and granddaughter of Joseph Hart, the patriarch. My 
boyhood was spent on my father's farm. I received my early 
education in the schools of the neighborhood. At the age of 
sixteen I was converted and united with New Providence 
Church in Maryville. 

I received my preparatory and classical education at Mary- 
ville College, and graduated in the class of 1887, with the degree 
of A. B. From my birth I was dedicated, by my godly mother, 
to the Christian ministry, and before I completed my college 
course I was led to choose the ministry as my life work. I en- 
tered Lane Seminary, Cincinnati, in September, 1887, and 
graduated in May, 1890. I was licensed and ordained to the 
work of the gospel ministry by the Presbytery of Union, Uzy 
30, 1890. 

My first field of labor was at AnnistonAla., where I mmistered 
to the Noble Street Presbyterian Church one year. From Sept. 
4, 1891, I was pastor of New Market and Hebron Churches, in 
Jefferson County, East Tennessee, to INIarch i, 1897. 

Having accepted a call to the pastorate of the Second Church 
of Jonesboro, East Tennessee, I entered on this work March 

4> 1897. , , 

Summary: From June i, 1890, to Aug. 1,1900.1 have 
preached 915 sermons, made 4,400 pastoral visits, married 20 
couples, attended 57 funerals, baptized 76 persons, received to 
membership in the church, by letter 40, on examination 120. 
Total, 160. I have conducted eight series of evangelistic meet- 
ings for my brother ministers. Since October, 1891. I have 
been a trustee of Mar>'ville College. Since May. 1892, a trustee 



I20 



of New Market Presbyterian Academy. Chairman of Commit- 
tee on Colleges and Academies for the Presbytery of Union 
from 1892 to 1897. Chairman of the Committee on Sunday 
School Work for the Presbytery of Holston since April, 1897. 
President of Jefferson County Sunday School Convention from 
i8i)3 to 1895. President of New Market Bible Society from 
f893 to 1897. Chaplain to Sons of Veterans, Department of 
Alabama and Tennessee, 1892 and 1893. On the staff of Com- 
mander William Good, of Greenville, East Tennessee. 

On June 30, 1897. I was married in Maryville to :\Iiss Agnes 
Brown Clemens. Miss Clemens' home was with her widowed 
mother in Maryville. She graduated from Maryville College in 
the class of 1886; spent the winter of 1889-90 at the College of 
Music, Cincinnati. P>om 1890 to 1893 she was teacher of music 
m Maryville College. In June, 1893, she accepted the position 
of teacher in the Moody Bible Institute. Chicago, and organist 
in Ciiicago Avenue Church. This position she kept for two 
years, and in the meantime studying music under some of the 
best teachers of Chicago. In September, 1895, she again took up 
her work as music teacher in Maryville College, resigning this 
position in May, 1897. After our marriage we began house- 
keeping in Jonesboro in rented property, which we occupied for 
two years. In the meantime the church bought a most desirable 
lot and erected a suitable manse, into which we moved July 10, 
1899. We have one daughter, Mary Hart Eakin, born Feb. q, 

I spent the month of August, 1899, at Winona Lake, Ind., be- 
ing a member of the Tennessee Synodical Quartette, which as- 
sisted in the music of the Winona Assembly and Bible Confer- 
ence during that month. The quartette is' composed of Revs. 
John S. Eakin, John B. Creswell, John G. Newman and Herman 
A. Goff, all members of the Synod of Tennessee. 

The past year has been uneventful in pulpit and pastoral work. 
Since January I have acted as chorister in our Sunday School, 
A new hymn book has been introduced, the school has learned 
the music readily and sing heartily. The Presbytery of Holston, 
at the spring meeting, elected me moderator, and also a commis- 
sioner to the General Assembly, which met in St. Louis. Mo., 
May 17, 1900. It was my privilege to be present at all the ses- 
sions of the Assembly and to participate in its work. 

\\W\\q in St. Louis I was kindly entertained in the home of my 
uncle. Rev. C. C. Hart, of Webster Groves. Previous to this 



121 

visit our acquaintance had been only through correspondence. 
But I am thankful that I was permitted to know him and hii 
household personally and to listen to his entertaining' remi- 
niscence of his early histor}^ and experiences in fifty years of 
ministry, and to get wisdom and strength from his fatherly coun- 
sel. The memory of my visit with him in his home, and the per- 
sonal acquaintance with relatives whom I had never seen, will 
ever be gratefully cherished. I should be glad to be a minister 
so long, so usetul and with so beautiful an old age. 

JOHN S. EAKIN. 

Jonesboro, East Tennessee, August, 1900. 



AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. EDWARD 

HART PENCE, D. D. 

I was born in Columbus, Ind., April 10, 1868, the fag end of a 
family of ten. The supply of names had been somewhat reduced, 
so they called me Edward Hart, after my mother's brother ; an 
honor which I did not appreciate as I should have done while 
young, but which I have come to feel more and more. My earliest 
days were spent in the old seat of my nativity. My earliest am- 
bition was to swim, which ambition rotated annually with one 
of equal ardor, to skate ; both of which were early realized. At 
six I went to school ; plodded for twelve years ; failed often 
enough to teach me the necessity of hard work, and was grad- 
uated without honor at Columbus High School in 1886. A tre- 
mendous elocutionary spasm at graduation, together with a com- 
pHmentary of my brother George to the miserableness of my 
handwriting, nearly forced me into the law as a manifest des- 
tination. I had long cherished an aspiration to be a doctor — 
ever since the doctor pulled the lad of five from the jaws of 
the grave. Then the inheritance of very much of my father's pas- 
sion for mechanics nearly drove me into mechanical engineer- 
ing as a calling. The law won, on the persuasion of two broth- 
ers in that profession, and in July, 1886, I went to Denver, Col., 
where I expected to attend the Denver University and even- 
tually practice law. From September to Christmas sufficed to 
prove that it were wiser to return to Indiana and study at Han- 
over, where I matriculated January, 1887, entering the sopho- 



— 122 — 



more class. In the same class was a young lady, who is now the 
mother of my children. It was not "love at first si<,dit," happily, 
else I might have failed to pass some more. Albeit, two years' 
association in a chemical laboratory developed and consum- 
mated other than chemical affinities. My wife insists that I men- 
tion certain oratorical triumphs while in college, and also that 
she finally took me because I was so smart, which comphmcnt 
I would fain reciprocate. During the senior year came the de- 
cision to study for the ministry, abandoning a cherished, and as 
I supposed, a confirmed purpose to practice law; entering Mc- 
Cormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, September, 1889. 

During the two following summers I supplied small churches 
at Shako^pee and Eden Prairie, Minn. Graduated at McCormick 
April, 1892, and went to Georgetown, Col. Was settled and be- 
gan as stated supply there May i, 1892. 

In June went back to Hanover to bring my bride, Jessie 
Archer, daughter of William and Orma L. Archer, and class- 
mate in college. The service at Georgetown was one of spir- 
itual and mental delight. In October, 1893, was called to Boul- 
der Col At the same time I held a call to the I'lrst Presby- 
terian Church of Janesville, Wis. The latter was accepted and 
entered upon service in November, 1893, being installed Jan. 
22, 1894. Nearly six and a half years witnessed a steady growth 
in the church. In that time there have been about twelve acces- 
sions at each quarterly communion. Of details, there is noth- 
ing aside from the ordinary to relate. 

We have three children, viz : David William, bom July 6. 1893 ; 
Jessie Norma, born July 9, 1895; Edna Louisa, born FeK 14, 
1898. E- K- P^^CE. 

Janesville, Wis., October, 1809. 



ADDENDA. 
REV. E. H. PENCE. 

The above was wTitten a year ago. and knowing that impor- 
tant events in the ministry of Mr. Pence had occurred m the 
meantime. I applied for additional notes. But his modesty sug- 
gested : "There is little more of special interest to write. But I 
may say that mv pastorate in Janesville was of peculiar sweet- 



— 123 — 

ness to me. At the very close six children were baptized and at 
the last communion, March i, we received twenty members. The 
last year we were especially blessed. More were received on 
profession than in any other church in Madison Presbytery." 

In February, 1900, unknown to Mr. Pence, a committee of 
two from Fort Street Presbyterian Church of Detroit, Mich., 
heard him preach, morning and evening. On returning home, 
the church, on March 6, issued a unanimous call for his serv- 
ices as pastor. He and his wife visited the Fort Street Church, 
spent two Sabbaths, when he resigned his pastorate at Janesville 
and accepted the call to Fort Street Church and entered this new 
field of labor April i, and a few weeks later was installed as pas- 
tor. Fort Street is a down-town church, with all the possibilities 
of contact with a large constituency. The total accessions to the 
church during the first four or five months were about sixty. 
In a note he says : "For no assignable or obvious reason known 
to me, Beloit College, Wisconsin, in June, 1900, conferred on 
me the degree of Doctor of Divinity." 

Wishing to obtain further information, I wrote to the Ses- 
sions of Mr. Pence's previous pastorates. The following is from 
Georgetown, Col. : "In answer to your inquiry, I can say Mr. 
Pence displayed from the start great fitness for his work and 
ability to care for a much larger church and field than ours. The 
call that came to another field was, therefore, not a surprise, 
but was a cause of sincere regret to all Georgetown people. 
There is perhaps only one secret of success in the Christian min- 
istry — the possession of the companionship and aid of the Holy 
Spirit, together with natural qualities, scholarly attainments, m- 
dustry, devotion and Christian spirit; with all of which Mr. 
Pence seemed to be thoroughly possessed. His people saw m 
him a high purpose. Himself convinced of the worth and power 
of the gospel, he determined that others should know and be- 
lieve it. The message that he had to deliver was always logical, 
illuminated with happy illustrations and sometimes with a spar- 
kle of humor, and carrying with it his own definition of elo- 
quence, "that which makes people do something." This church 
has probably not had a more successful minister than Mr. Pence, 
nor one who so fully captured the hearts of the people. It is 
due to add that if there was any lack in his completeness, it was 
fully supplied in his lovely companion, who, by her amiable quali- 
ties, endeared herself to us all. 



— 124 — 



The writer feels that Mr. Pence has a real history in making, 
and that he will prove himself worthy of any honors that the 
church may confer upon him. MARCUS WHEELER. 

"Clerk of Session. 

The following is from Janesville, Wis. : 

"Rev C C Hart : In answer to your inquiries : Mr. Pence 
is an able, consecrated preacher, a faithful pastor, kind and 
eenial in his intercourse with men, broad and charitable m his 
thoughts and deeds. Original, versatile and pertment in his 
preaching and conversation, rich in thought and diction, always 
challenging attention by the matter and manner of his_ message. 
His mind is rarely constituted; poetical and imaginative in its 
gift of adornment, penetrating to the core of a subject, clear m 
its analysis and felicitous in its sympathetic touch He did good 
work in our church and in our city at large. His love and solici- 
tude went out in all helpful ways to the poor, unfortunate or sor- 
rowing. Very truly yours, 

"EDWARD RUGER, Elder." 

The following is from the Clerk of Session : 

"Rev C C Hart • Yours of September lo received. Concern- 
ing the ministry of Rev. E. H. Pence in our church the records 
show that during his pastorate here there ^^r^ added on pro- 
fession 155. and by letter 104. M. H. LOVERHILL, 

"Clerk of Session. 

NOTE^For the above addenda Dr. Pence is in no wise re- 
sponsible. A few sentences marked '' " were garbled from 

a note marked "not for print." My apology for writmg to the 
sessions of his former pastorates is this : I believed all mir friends 
would wish to know more of the early ministry of Mr. Pence 
than he had given in his sketch. If I have violated good taste 
I take the blame wholly on myself.— C, C. Hart. 



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